PHYS 0100 - PRELIMINARY PHYSICS I

LAB 3: FORCES OF FRICTION

LAB WRITE UP 2024

ABSTRACT:
The abstract is a summary of the entire lab. It is the last concept of the lab which should be
written after all results, calculations and analysis and conclusions are completed. The abstract
should be approximately one paragraph and it is based on the experiment being conducted and
must be written in past tense. It has four essential parts:
● the purpose of the lab,

● a brief methodology of the lab,

● the key findings and

● main conclusions.

INTRODUCTION:
The introduction describes the various concepts the lab explores and presents the objectives in
accordance with the purpose of the lab. It is a presentation of the theoretical considerations,
which form the basis of the investigation and are needed to fulfil the objectives. The following
questions will guide you in finding the information that is necessary to write an introduction for
this lab.
You may need to do additional research by referring to textbooks or online sources in order to
answer these questions. Your answers are to be accompanied by in-text citations and referenced
at the end of the report.
Paragraph 1 – This paragraph should contain (i) What is friction? (ii) Why is friction
important? (iii) What are some examples of friction in the real world?

Paragraph 2 – This paragraph should contain (i) What are the two main types of friction?
(ii) What are the differences between them?

Paragraph 3 - This paragraph should contain (i) What are the main relationships and
equations that describe static and dynamic friction?

Paragraph 4 – This paragraph should contain (i) Based on the equations, what are the
factors that affect friction?

THEORY:
State all equations used in the calculations and error calculations sections in this lab and define
each term of the equations.
METHOD:
This section briefly describes the equipment and experimental procedure.
● Reference lab manual.

PRECAUTIONS:

Precautions are actions that can be taken by the experimenter to minimize external effect on the
result of experiment and to secure good results. Precautions also include action taken in advance
to protect against possible injury to the experimenter.

● Discuss 2 precautions for each procedure

RESULTS:
In this section of the lab report, include all results obtained. Tables should have proper headings
and units. Signed results from lab MUST be included.

CALCULATIONS & ANALYSIS:

In this section of the lab report, the results obtained are analyzed.
For Part A:

● Show a sample calculation of how you determined weight and complete table 1

● Plot a graph of W 2 vs W; where W 2 is the weight in the scale pan and W is the
weight added to the block. This graph is Graph 1. Insert a photograph of Graph 1.
● Calculate the gradient of your best-fit line in Graph 1. Show all working.

● State the value of μk - the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surfaces.

● State the value of the y-intercept of Graph 1.

● Calculate the mass of the block, B.

For Part B:
 ● Calculate Weight on the block, weight in the pan W 3 and W 3 secθ (N) and insert in
table 2
● Plot a graph of W 3 sec secθ vs W ; where W 3 is the weight on the scale pan and W is
the weight added to the block. This graph is Graph 2. Insert a photograph of Graph
2
● Calculate the gradient of your best-fit line in Graph 2. Show all working.

● State the value of μk - the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surfaces.

● State the value of the y-intercept of Graph 2.

● Calculate the mass of the block, B.

ERROR ANALYSIS:
This section must include the pertinent computed uncertainties (error estimates). It is important
here that the rule governing significant figures be used in computing and displaying these values.

For Part A:

● Using a box plot, calculate the error in the gradient of graph 1. Insert a scan Graph
1 showing your box plot.
● Hence, state the error in μk - the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surfaces.

For Part B:

● Using a box plot, calculate the error in the gradient of graph 2. Insert a scan Graph
2 showing your box plot.
● Hence, state the error in μk - the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surfaces.

DISCUSSION:
Using properly referenced information where necessary, answer these questions below which
will aid in writing your discussion paragraph.
 ● Answer Lab Manual Discussion Questions.

● Discuss 1 source of error encountered during the lab

● Discuss 1 difficulty encountered during the lab and 1 improvement that can be
made for the lab.

CONCLUSION:
The conclusion is a brief paragraph which includes the main results and the analysis of
those results with associated uncertainties or errors and a conclusive statement about the
experiment with respect to the aim.

REFERENCES
Any source of material used in the report should be listed in this section in Chicago Manual
17th Edition style Referencing format.

Video 1 shows how to reference information from a book.

Video 1: https://youtu.be/cifzgaV0F4c
Video 2 shows how to reference information from a website.
Video 2: https://youtu.be/yXOiPnrG6wI