Determination of static and kinetic friction coefficients using automatic data colletction

Abstract

This paper describes the computer handling of a traditional experiment involving the measure of friction coeficients. The experimental setup suggested here is intended to physics teaching at high school level. The forces of kinetic and static friction, for a pair of surfaces, are obtained in real time, when a body is taken from the rest to movement. The relationship between the friction force and the normal force is also presented. The data are obtained through a force sensor and a position sensor, coupled to an interface connected to a computer. The graphics of the friction force versus time are obtained in real time.