EXPERIMENT NO.

Name of The experiment: To find the coefficient of sliding friction for various materials
using horizontal plane method.

Object: To study coefficient of sliding friction for different surfaces using horizontal
plane method.

Apparatus used: Horizontal wooden plane with glass strip on it & frictionless pulley at
one end, wooden blocks of various weights to be used as effort, and
standard weight box.

Theory: The coefficient of sliding friction is given by the formula μ = F /N where F is the
limiting force of friction which will be equal to the pull applied & N is the
normal reaction which is equal to the weight of the sliding block μ = F /N .

Procedure:

1. Mark a region on the horizontal surface, which is to be used for performing the
experiment because the whole surface is not evenly rough.

2. In that region place the wooden blocks. Tie up the strings to this block& pass over
other end of the string over the pulley down to the weighing pan. Initially when
there is no weight in the weighing pan the wooden block remains stationary.

3. Start increasing the weight in the pan so that the block just starts sliding without
acceleration. Note the weight in the pan & add to the weight of the pan.

4. Increase the weight to be carried & the weight in the pan simultaneously. Take
about 7-8 readings and repeat for different surfaces. Take mean of the readings
and calculate coefficient of friction.

Results: The value of Coefficient of friction between Wood and…….. is = ………..

The value of Coefficient of friction between Glass and…….. is = ………..

Precautions:

1. The pulley must be smooth and freely moving.

2. Put the weights gently on the pan.
3. Put the weights on the pan just to slide the block.
4. Horizontal plane should be clean and smooth.
Self assessment:

1. What are the various laws of friction?

2. Define the term angle of friction, angle of repose & zero friction.
3. Define sliding friction, rolling friction, & limiting friction.
4. Interpret the result of the experiment performed.
Diagram:

HORIZONTAL PLANE METHOD

 Observation Table

1. Weight of the pan (W1) = ….. gms

2. Weight put on the pan (W2) = ……gms

Weight applied
Surface of Weight of
S. No.
contact the blocks
P = W1 +W2 μ = F /N
W1 W2

1
Wood &
2
Glass
3

1
Wood &
2
Aluminum
3

1
Wood &
2
Brass
3