Data Analysis:
Conclusion:
My original question: “On an inclined plane, what surface keeps an object completely still? Is the static coefficient of friction then comparable with online data?”, was answered during this experiment and I was able to find out which surface I used would be best to keep my desired object (phone with rubber case) from sliding down while the surface is inclined. The “stickiest” surface was surprisingly metal, I initially believed that it would be wood because of its roughness. Metal was a smooth surface and I anticipated that it would have one of the fastest velocities, but this was not the case. Rubber and metal apparently have a high coefficient of friction between them causing the phone to go down it much slower. In the end I was able to dissect and see this, which answered my initial question; likewise, it was very interesting to see which surfaces had the greatest friction with the phone. Therefore, which surfaces were best suited to keep a phone with a rubber case from sliding off an inclined plane. Comparing the analyzed data to online sources produced its own conclusions. Metal had the highest coefficient of static friction with rubber by far and this was reliably proved true through the experiment. Equally, the aluminum whiteboard had one of the lowest coefficients of friction that was also showcased perfectly through the experiment. Altogether I was able to prove that this experiment was comparable with online data, legitimizing the experiment and its yield further. Overall, I was able to find the answer to my question, learn new things, practice inclined planes, and compare my findings with other sources; culminating in what I would call a success for both the experiment and my understanding of forces.
Sources of Uncertainty:
- One source is reaction time when timing the objects descents. Unless mechanized it would be impossible to get perfectly accurate time data for this experiment. This could change the accuracy of velocity throughout the experiment.
- Another source of uncertainty is the curvature of the ramps. It would be unreasonable to assume that all the ramps had the same smoothness; this would slightly alter data.
- The accuracy of the measured angles would be another source of uncertainty. It is not reliable to assume that with a common protractor the exact angles needed can be found. This again would slightly alter data.
- Another source of uncertainty is online data. No matter how reliable the source, the materials could be slightly different, which would compromise the comparison between my experiment and online data slightly.
Experiment Improvement:
There are a few measures I would take to improve this experiment. I would invest and use better support/scaffolding to hold the ramps in place, so that they do not move as much. While the improvised support beams used during the experiment were useful and typically stable, having support that is actually meant for such a role would make the experiment much more legitimate. Another way I would improve this experiment would be to use ramp material that is more common; finding the static coefficient of friction for some ramps during this experiment online was a challenge and it would be much easier if the ramps used were made from ubiquitous materials like aluminum or steel. Finally, if I had another chance I would find a way to make timing the objects descent more reliable. The reaction time was a major source of uncertainty for this experiment and solving it would be a massive leap forward.
Unlimited Budget Improvements:
There are many ways that a scientist with unlimited budget could theoretically improve my experiment. Firstly, they could invest in a mechanized system of timing, rigging the object to an apparatus so that as soon as it begins descent a timer begins. This would ensure that the accurate timing of the descent for this experiment. Unlimited budget would also assume that the ramps bought would have better curvature than the ones I had used, or at the very least the materials used would be high end. Better quality materials for the ramp would guarantee more reliable results; likewise, a higher budget would net better measuring materials to make measurements more legitimate as well.
Application of this Experiment:
While it may sound initially unreasonable one application of my experiment is that now I have a better idea of what surfaces I can rest my phone atop at an angle. The surfaces with the least downwards velocity have been revealed to me through this experiment and it is reasonable to assume materials close to them in texture would preform the same. Knowing this, in everyday life I can pick and choose what surfaces are safest for my phone to rest on. Congruently, I know what surfaces have more friction compared to others and this can help me gauge the extent to which an object will rest upon them as their angles increase, it is general information that may be useful in everyday life.