Untitled Document

Physics Demo Number: 110

Approximate

Run Time: 10 min

Simple Inclined Plane and Friction Demonstrating Components

Demo Description

One can use a friction block and an inclined plane to show the effects of friction between the block and the plane on the motion of the block as it goes down the plane .

There is also a spring balance for pulling the block into motion from rest and pulling it along at constant speed.

Scientific Principles

Friction between a moving body and the surface upon which it moves modifies the motion of the body.

Equipment

A Newton Balance
Two Friction Blocks
Masses
Inclined Plane

Equipment Location

Kit (110) on [F-3-5].
Inclined Plane is Loose on [F-3-5].

Instructions

The first picture shows the simple wood inclined plane, the Newton balance, and two friction blocks, all from Kit [110].

The next picture shows a closer view of the Newton balance attached (via the yellow string ) to the friction block resting on the lecture cart top.

At the time of the photo the friction block was in static equlibrium on the cart top with about 3N of tension in the yellow cord. Pulling on the wire loop on the other end of the Newton balance puts the block into motion at about 6N. Since the pictured load on the block is 2KG, the coefficient of static friction at the time of photo must have been around 1/3.