Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model ME-8574
DISCOVER FRICTION ACCESSORY
hook
012-07552A
12/00
$1.00
slot
felt surface block
Introduction
PASCO’s Discover Friction Accessory (ME-8574)
is designed for use with Dynamics Carts, PAScars,
GOcars, and Force Sensors to study the effects of
friction on motion. It consists of four friction
trays: one with a felt surface, one with a cork/
rubber surface, and two with a smooth plastic
surface.
Discover Friction Accessory – 4 trays in all, two as
pictured and two with a plain plastic bottom
The Discover Friction Accessory can be used to
determine coefficients of friction for various
surface combinations, and calculate the amount of
work done by frictional forces. Each suggestion
will be discussed briefly in this instruction sheet.
cork surface block
Specifications
Approximate dimension of trays are,
5 1/2” x 2 1/2” x 2 1/4”.
Friction trays are stackable to allow for adjusting
the pulling height and for storage.
Trays are provided with hook and slot for
connecting in a series.
Additional Equipment Required
· Force Sensor
· 500 gram Bar Masses
· String
© 2000 PASCO scientific
Discover Friction Accessory 012-07552A
N
N
Figure 1: Discover Friction Accessory used with the PASport Force Sensor
Sliding Friction Equations
The purpose of this experiment is for students to
construct the relationship between frictional forces
and the normal force on an object. These general
equations can then be used to predict both the
static and kinetic frictional forces present in many
situations.
F
= µ
= µ
F
S
F
k
S
F
k
The resulting graph will reveal that the frictional
force increases to a maximum, and then levels off
at a constant value as the tray moves. Both the
maximum static frictional force and kinetic
frictional force can be obtained from the graph.
Repeat this procedure three more times increasing
the mass of the friction tray by 500 grams each
time. Finally, a graph of static frictional force vs.
normal force can be created. The slope of this
graph is the coefficient of static friction. In a
similar manner, a graph of the kinetic frictional
force vs. normal force can be created and
analyzed. For more repeatable results, the
Motorized Cart (ME-9780 – ME-9781) can be
used to pull the friction trays from rest.
A small piece of string should be tied between one
of the friction trays and the force sensor. With no
force on the sensor, the zero (tare) button should
be pressed. This should only be performed once!
Next, place the friction tray on a fairly rough
surface such as carpet or a sidewalk and load it
with one 500 gram mass bar. Click on the Start
button to begin collecting data, then pull on the
force sensor until the friction tray breaks free.
Continue to pull, such that the friction tray moves
with constant speed.
Coefficients of Friction for Various Surface
Combinations
Students can repeat the above experiment with
different surface combinations to determine the
relationship between coefficient of friction and
surface roughness. The surfaces on the bottom of
the Discover Friction Accessory were chosen to
provide a wide variety of friction coefficients.
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012-07552A Discover Friction Accessory
1/2
mv
2
= µ
kFN
x
Figure 2: Stacking Discover Friction Accessory for varying heights
Work Done by Frictional Forces
Using a Cart Launcher (ME-9488) or the cart
plunger, Dynamics Carts or PAScars can be
launched toward a motion sensor to determine the
motion of the cart under the influence of friction.
After determining the launch velocity of the cart
without the friction tray, the tray can be attached to
the cart and launched again. As the tray causes
considerable sliding friction, students will observe
constantly accelerated motion. By measuring the
distance over which the friction tray slides,
students can determine the coefficient of friction
between the tray and Dynamics Track or other
surface. The following equation can be used to
solve for the coefficient of friction:
Kinetic Energy = Force x Distance
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Discover Friction Accessory 012-07552A
Technical Support
Feedback
If you have any comments about the product or
manual, please let us know. If you have any
suggestions on alternate experiments or find a
problem in the manual, please tell us. PASCO
appreciates any customer
feedback. Your input helps us evaluate and
improve our product.
To Reach PASCO
For technical support, call us at 1-800-772-8700
(toll-free within the U.S.) or (916) 786-3800.
fax: (916) 786-3292
e-mail: techsupp@pasco.com
web: www.pasco.com
Contacting Technical Support
Before you call the PASCO Technical Support
staff, it would be helpful to prepare the following
information:
➤ If your problem is with the PASCO apparatus,
note:
Title and model number (usually listed on the
label);
Approximate age of apparatus;
A detailed description of the problem/sequence
of events (in case you can’t call PASCO right
away, you won’t lose valuable data);
If possible, have the apparatus within reach
when calling to facilitate description of
individual parts.
➤ If your problem relates to the instruction
manual, note:
Part number and revision (listed by month and
year on the front cover);
Have the manual at hand to discuss your
questions.
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