Data analysis and interpretation 1. Define the force of limiting friction. 2. Define the term normal force. 3. How can you vary the normal force in this experiment? 4. What is the purpose of adjusting the spring scale to read zero when no force is applied? 5. How do you determine when the wooden block just begins to move? 6. Describe the setup to ensure a purely vertical force is applied. 7. What do you record as the force of limiting friction in this experiment? 8. How does the force of limiting friction change as the normal force increases? 9. What happens if the normal force is reduced to zero in this experiment? 10. How would you calculate the coefficient of friction from the data collected in this experiment? 11. Why is it important to repeat the experiment for different normal force values? 12. Can you identify any potential sources of error in this experiment? 13. How could you improve the accuracy of this experiment? (1) (2) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)

The concept of limiting friction has been a topic of interest since the days of ancient civilizations, where philosophers like Aristotle pondered the nature of movement and resistance. It was later refined with the advent of classical physics, particularly through the work of Sir Isaac Newton, who laid the groundwork for understanding forces. Limiting friction represents the maximum resistance that must be overcome for an object to start moving, and it directly correlates with the object's weight and surface characteristics. In real-world applications, knowing about limiting friction can be quite handy! For instance, engineers must consider friction when designing vehicles, roads, or machinery. For automotive engineers, understanding how friction operates between tires and the road can influence safety features. Similarly, in robotics, ensuring that joints and parts move smoothly without excess friction can enhance performance and reliability, helping machines operate better and last longer.