Newton's Second Law
In this lab, you will determine the coefficient of static friction
between a the felt sides of wood block and the laboratory table top using the
technique you designed in the prelab.
Procedure
- It is important that the string be parallel to the table.
- Make at least 10 trials.
- Notice that the mass of the hanger is 5 grams.
- For the error in the hanging mass m2, use the standard
deviation of the mean (SDOM). See Taylor section 4.4 if you are
confused.
- Turn the block on a side with different surface area in contact
with the bench and repeat the measurements.
- Return the block to its original orientation, add a 200-gram mass
to the top of the block, and repeat the measurements.
Error analysis
- What is your calculated value for
s
in each of the three cases (flat, side, weight on top)?
- Include an error estimate for
s
in each case.
- What are the units of
s?
- Why is it important that the string be parallel to the table?
- Does s
change appreciably when the contact area is changed?
- Does s
change appreciably when mass is added to the block?
- Do the three determinations of
s
agree? That is, do their errors overlap? See Taylor page 5
if you are confused.
- Identify at least two sources of statistical error.
- Identify at least two sources of systematic error.
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