Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

The nature of oil and its relation to friction

Introduction
The engines in a car have parts in them that spin at thousands of revolutions per minute, this
fast motion inside creates a lot of friction inside the engine. This friction, if left unchecked,
produces a lot of waste energy, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel,
this waste energy can also heat up the engine significantly. My interest in the lubricant nature
of oils sparked when my father was working on his car. I was first left baffled by how the
engine does not explode on itself by the sheer heat created from the friction of the metal
pistons rubbing on the metal walls at such
high speeds, repeatedly. Then when he
drained the car’s oils and explained to me
how this reduces the friction, I was
fascinated. I also noticed that my fingers
got slippery even whenever I handled
common oils. The amount of slipperiness
that I felt did also change with different
types of oils. For example, when I handled
hair oil it would be slippier than cooking
oil. That got me thinking about how these
oils would perform in actual applications
and is there any relation we can draw
between the properties of the oil and the
amount of lubrication it provides

Research Question
How do the different nature of oils impact the force of friction?
How changing densities can affect the friction,
Hypothesis: The relationship between the density of oil and the friction force acting on the
object is indirectly proportional. The more viscous a type of oil is, the more time it takes for
the object to travel over it.
Background Information
When oil is applied between the two surfaces in contact, a thin layer of oil is formed between
the two surfaces. This layer separates the two surfaces a little bit due to which their
interlocking is reduced to a large extent when they rub against each other. 

1
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

When a body slides (or rolls) over a surface, a force starts acting on the body, in a direction
opposite to the motion of the body, along the surface in contact. This is called the frictional
force or the force of friction.
There are two types of friction:
1) Static friction- The friction that exists between the two surfaces in contact when
there is relative motion between them is about to start is called static friction.
2) Dynamic friction-The friction that exists between a surface of an object sliding on
another surface is called Dynamic friction. 

Static Friction

Static friction results because of the interaction between the particles of the body present at
the microscopic level. The static friction acts between the two bodies which are in contact but
not sliding with respect to each other. The magnitude of static friction adjusts its value
according to the force applied. But this frictional force cannot go beyond a certain value
known as limiting friction. If the applied force is greater than limiting friction then slipping
starts.
Laws Of Static Friction
There are two laws of static friction:
First law: The maximum force of static friction is not dependent on the area of contact.
Second law: The maximum force of static friction is comparative to the normal force i.e., if
the normal force increases, the maximum external force that the object can endure without
moving, also increases.

Derivation for the formula of static friction

Let us consider a block of weight mg lying on a horizontal surface as shown in the figure.
When a body press against a surface, the surface deforms even if it appears to be rigid. The
deformed surface pushes the body with a normal force N that is perpendicular to the surface.
This is called a normal reaction force. It balances mg that is 

2
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

N = mg
Now let us consider that a force P is applied on the block. Clearly, the body remains at rest
because some other force F comes into play in the horizontal direction and opposes the
applied force P resulting in net force zero on the body. This force F acting along the surface
of the body in contact with the surface of the table is called frictional force.
So as long as the body doesn’t move F = P. This means that if we increase P, friction F also
increases, remaining equal to P always.
This frictional force that comes into play until the actual motion has started is known as static
friction.
Coefficient Of Static Friction
Static Friction is friction that is experienced when an object is placed on a surface. And,
Dynamic friction is due to the movement of an object on a surface. Friction is well
characterized by the coefficient of friction and is explained as the ratio between the frictional
force and the normal force. This helps the object to lie on a surface. The coefficient of static
friction is a scalar quantity and denoted as μ2.
The formula for the coefficient of static friction is expressed as

Dynamic Friction

Dynamic friction is the opposing force that comes into play when one body is actually
moving over the surface of another body. It is friction-related with motion or with the simple

3
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

term a body slides over another body and experiences an opposing force known as Dynamic
friction.
Dynamic friction is defined as a force that acts between moving surfaces. A body moving on
the surface experiences a force in the opposite direction of its movement. The magnitude of
the force will depend on the coefficient of Dynamic friction between the two materials.
Friction is easily defined as the force that holds back a sliding object. The Dynamic friction is
a part of everything and it interferes with the motion of two or more objects. The force acts in
the opposite direction to the way an object wants to slide.
If a car has to stop, we apply brakes and that is exactly where the friction comes into play.
While walking, when one wants to suddenly come to a halt, friction is to thank again. But
when we have to stop in the middle of a puddle, things get harder since friction is less there
and cannot aid one so much.

Overcoming the static friction between two surfaces essentially removes both the molecular
obstacles (cold welding between asperities) and, to some degree, the mechanical
obstacles(Interference between the asperities and valleys of the surfaces) to movement. Once
movement is initiated, some abrasion continues to occur, but at a much lower level than
during static friction and the relative velocity between the surfaces provides insufficient time
for additional cold welding to occur (except in the case of extremely low velocity). 
With most of the adhesion and abrasion being overcome to induce movement, the resistance
to motion between the surfaces is reduced, and the surfaces are now moving under the
influence of Dynamic friction, which is much lower than static friction.
Laws of Dynamic Friction
There are four laws of Dynamic friction:
First law: The force of Dynamic friction (Fk) is directly proportional to the normal reaction
(N) between two surfaces in contact. Where, μk​= constant called the coefficient of Dynamic
friction.

4
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

Second law: Force of Dynamic friction is independent of shape and apparent area of the
surfaces in contact.
Third law: It depends upon nature and material of surface in contact.
Fourth law: It is independent of the velocity of object in contact provided the relative velocity
between the object and the surface is not too large.

Formula of Dynamic friction

The coefficient of Dynamic friction is denoted by the Greek letter “mu” (μ), with a subscript
“k”. The force of Dynamic friction is μk times the normal force on a body. It is expressed in
Newton (N).
The Dynamic friction equation can be written as:
Force of Dynamic friction = (coefficient of Dynamic friction)(normal force)
Fk = μk ​η
Where,
Fk= force of Dynamic friction
μk coefficient of Dynamic friction
η = normal force (Greek letter “eta”)

Derivation for the Formula of Dynamic friction

Let us consider a block of weight mg lying on a horizontal surface as shown in the figure.
When a body presses against a surface, the surface deforms even if it appears to be rigid. The

5
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

deformed surface pushes the body with a normal force R that is perpendicular to the surface.
This is called normal reaction force. It balances mg that is R = mg.
Now let us consider that a force P is applied on the block as shown. Clearly the body remains
at rest because some other force F comes into play in the horizontal direction and opposes the
applied force P resulting in net force zero on the body. This force F acting along the surface
of the body in contact with the surface of the table is called frictional force.
So as long as the body doesn’t move F = P. This means that if we increase P, friction F also
increases, remaining equal to P always.
As we increase the applied force slightly beyond limiting friction, the actual motion starts.
This does not mean that the friction has disappeared. It only means that the force has
overcome the limiting friction. This force of friction at this stage is known as Dynamic
friction or Dynamic friction.
The Dynamic friction or Dynamic friction is the opposing force that comes into play when
one body is actually moving over the surface of another body.

Although, the type of friction that we will be relevant to this experiment is fluid friction.

Fluid friction occurs between fluid layers that are moving relative to each other. This internal
resistance to flow is named viscosity. In everyday terms, the viscosity of a fluid is described
as its “thickness”.
All real fluids offer some resistance to shearing and therefore are viscous. It is helpful to use
the concept of an ideal fluid that offers no resistance to shearing and is not viscous.
Examples of Fluid Friction
If there is a wet surface between two thin glass plates, you will notice that plates get stuck
and the bottom plate doesn’t fall when you hold only the top one.
When any object is dropped in a fluid, the extent of the splash is depended on the fluid
friction of that particular fluid.
You find lighter dust particles move fast on the surface of a flowing river. This is due to the
high velocity gradient at the top layer of water due to lower dynamic fluid friction at that
layer.
Variables
Independent Variable
● Density of Oil

Dependent Variables
● Velocity of the object

6
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

● Coefficient of friction force

● Time taken for the object to travel on the plank

Controlled Variables

● Length of the plank-

How - The length of the plank needs to be measured using a measuring tape and the
same plank needs to be used throughout the experiment.
Why - The length of the plank affects the time it takes for the object to travel over it.
And this can affect the velocity of the object.
● The temperature of the surroundings(as much as possible)
How - It is advisable for the experiment to be carried out at the same time of the day
the repetitions are taking place.
Why - This ensures the average temperature during the readings to be constant and
lowers the uncertainty in the experiment.
● Angle of Elevation from the bottom of the plank to the top.
How - The angle between the plank and the floor needs to be measured using a
protractor. The plane needs to be in a fixed position so that the angle doesn’t keep
changing and a single measure of the angle cannot be attained.
Why - The angle of inclination determines the velocity of the object travelling. A
steep plane causes the object to travel faster.
● Mass of the Object

How - The same object can be used for several repetitions. Or objects of the same
mass and same shape can be used.

Why - The higher the mass, the greater potential energy it has at the peak. This energy
is converted to kinetic energy and hence a greater velocity.

Materials
1. Wooden Plank
2. Oil (3 different types)

7
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

3. Metal ball
4. Stopwatch
5. Beaker
6. Burette
7. Weighing scale

Experimental Setup

Safety Precautions
1. Ensure to store the oil in a closed container so that it doesn’t readily evaporate as they
tend to be volatile.
2. Handle the oil carefully to avoid causing spillage or any ingestion which can lead to
health issues(especially petrol)
3. Measure the angle between the plank and the floor keep all the readings consistent.
4. Check for zero errors in the meter scale and the stopwatch (if any)
5. Conduct all readings in a controlled or a fixed environment as oil can evaporate as
well (conduct all experiments during a particular time in a day for eg, afternoon from
12-2)
6. Repeat the experiment more than two times two get accurate readings and
consequently find an average which will give an accurate reading.
Procedure
1. First measure the densities of the oils. Take a measuring cylinder and measure its
plain mass (M1). Now add the oil A of volume (V) and measure the new mass (M2).
Use the formula to find the density-((M2-M1)/V). Do the same for the rest of the oils

8
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

2. Measure the length of the plank using the meter scale and record its value.
3. Take all the materials required for the experiment. Place the plank on an angle of
about 30-45 degrees from the floor/surface so that it is inclined(keep this angle
consistent for all readings)
4. Take an object/weight of mass (m) and then slide it down the plank. Using a
stopwatch measure the time taken in seconds. Repeat this for five more times.
5. Take the oil A and then spread it on the plank as well as the object/weight. Repeat the
same steps as before and measure the time taken. Repeat this five times with all the
different oils.
6. Record all the results in an excel sheet including the average of the time readings.
7. After recording you will do further calculations. Using the S=D/T formula you will
find the average velocity and the it’s acceleration by using the formula a=(v-u)/t.
8. After finding this, you will be able to find the coefficient of friction by using the
formulas μ = f÷N, Fnet​=(2ML)/t2 M being the mass of the object/weight in kg.
Then calculate the normal force which is the weight of the block N=Mg. Now
calculate the friction force by simply subtracting the applied force (mgsinθ) by Fnet​.
Now use the formula of μ = f÷N, f being the friction force and N being Mg.
9. Ensure to include all the uncertainties.
Raw Data Table
Table 1

Raw Data Table

Time in seconds
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Average Uncertainty (± in seconds)
Control 2.31 2.37 2.63 2.06 2.35 2.344 0.6
oil A (hair) 2.03 2.22 2.21 2.1 2 2.112 0.2
oil B (petrol) 3.84 3.46 3.55 3.23 2.97 3.41 0.9
oil C (Sunflower) 3.09 2.98 2.97 2.85 2.93 2.964 0.2
oil D (Olive) 2.66 2.53 2.73 2.67 2.7 2.658 0.2
A. Velocity will be calculated using the formula V=D/T in m/s2, D being the length of the
plank=(1.345 m) and T being the average time taken for the object to reach the
bottom of the plank.
V=1.345÷2.344
=0.574 m/s
B. The coefficient of friction will be calculated using the formulas μ = f÷N,
Fnet​=(2ML)/t2 M being the mass of the object/weight in kg.
Fnet=(2*0.05)÷(2.344)2
=0.0182

C. Calculate the normal force which is the weight of the block N=Mg
N=0.05*10
=0.5 N
D. Now calculate the friction force by simply subtracting the applied force (mgsinθ) by
Fnet​.

9
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

F= 0.5*sin(33)-0.0182
=0.254 N
E. Now use the formula of μ = f÷N, f being the friction force and N being Mg.

=0.254÷0.5

=0.508

Processed Data Table

Table 2

Processed Data Table

Average Uncertainty Average Uncertainty of
time (± in velocity Coefficient Velocity (± in
taken seconds) m/s of friction m/s)
Control 2.344 0.6 0.574 0.496 0.16
oil A (hair) 2.112 0.2 0.637 0.484 0.07
oil B
(petrol) 3.41 0.9 0.394 0.521 0.11
oil C
(Sunflower) 2.964 0.2 0.454 0.514 0.04
oil D
(Olive) 2.658 0.2 0.506 0.507 0.05

Graph
Graph 1

10
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

Conclusion
As we can see in the processed graphs, there is a direct correlation between the velocity
and coefficient of friction, this proves our calculations are correct as the coefficient of
friction is calculated has the velocity as one of the components in its formula. There
relation between the coefficient of friction and density, we can see broader strokes of
higher density leading to less coefficient of friction. Making them inversely proportional.
The only outlier is oil D as it has a lower density but leads to a higher coefficient of
friction than oil C. 
This could be because of other properties of the oil we did not measure such as surface
tension, viscosity, etc. 
So, the possible learning I can take from this experiment and apply it to my daily life can
be, if I need to lubricate something for a particular use, I will take into account the density
of the oil.
Possible Errors and Suggestions
● When the oil is spread across the plank, there’s a possibility of it drying out due to its
volatility.
● Consequently, make sure to conduct the experiment in a very controlled environment.
● Another minute error can occur during the measuring of time, as there’s some human
error associated with it.
● The use of sensors can be one to increase the accuracy of the time readings that will
be obtained.

11
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

● The surface of the plank will not be constant throughout as the oil that’s poured over it
may either be absorbed or not completely left the surface which will hinder the
motion of the object in the experiments that follow.
● To avoid this error, a metal sheet can be placed over it or possibly a non-absorbant
sheet over the plank so that the oil is only on the surface and can be cleaned easily.
Further Scope
This can be further researched by measuring more properties of the oil and linking them
to friction, changing the plank incline to find static and kinetic frictions.
The real-world implications of this can be finding the oil that will lubricate the best for
various purposes, wherever two metal objects are sliding against each other. These trends
may help us to find this oil or rule out other oils by their properties alone.
Bibliography
Websites:

1. https://thesuccesstechnic.weebly.com/uploads/7/2/1/3/7213446/flux-high-viscosity-b0
000-visc-chart-1.pdf

2. densities-and-viscosities-of-gasoline, qsstudy.com, Retrieved May 2, 2022 , 20:00

from
https://qsstudy.com/densities-and-viscosities-of-gasoline/#:~:text=Kinematic%20viscosities%
20are%20usually%20in,cSt%20at%2040%C2%B0C.

3. Wu, Jiangto. (2020, October). Surface Tensions of Mixtures of Diesel Oil or Gasoline
and Dimethoxymethane, Dimethyl Carbonate, or Ethanol, reachgate.net, Retrieved
May 2, 2022 , 20:15 from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231271918_Surface_Tensions_of_Mixtures_of_Die
sel_Oil_or_Gasoline_and_Dimethoxymethane_Dimethyl_Carbonate_or_Ethanol#:~:text=Th
e%20surface%20tension%20of%20water,N%2Fml%20%5B24%5D%20.

4. Benerito, Ruth. Singleton W.S. (1955, January). Surface phenomena of fats for
parenteral nutrition, link.springer.com, Retrieved May 2, 2022 , 20:20 from

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02636473#:~:text=Of%20the%20refined%
20oils%2C%20coconut,cm%E2%88%921%20at%2025%C2%B0.

5. Ferraz, Christina. Araujo, Alvaro. Pastore, Glauchia. (2002, Spring). The influence of
vegetable oils on biosurfactant production by Serratia marcescens,
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Retrieved May 3, 2022, 19:40 from

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12018306/#:~:text=Sunflower%20oil%20contains%2
0about%2060,production%20by%20the%20LB006%20strain.

12
Swastick Paliwal 2020-22Group 4 Project

6. Diamante, Lemuel. Lan, Tianying. (2014, August 3). Absolute Viscosities of Vegetable
Oils at Different Temperatures and Shear Rate Range of 64.5 to 4835 s−1,
hindawi.com, Retrieved May 3, 2022, 20:00 from
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jfp/2014/234583/

7. Inclined Planes, physicsclassroom.com, Retrieved May 3, 2022, 20:10 from

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Lesson-3/Inclined-Planes

8. (2019). Friction on an inclined plane, engineerstudent.co.uk, Retrieved May 3, 2022

, 20:15 from

http://www.engineerstudent.co.uk/friction_on_an_inclined_plane.php

9. Hinaniya, Dhiraj. (2021, July 5). Static and Kinetic Friction, geeksforgeeks.org,
Retrieved May 3, 2022, 20:25 from

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/static-and-kinetic-friction/

10. Book- Physics - K.A. Tsokos - Sixth Edition - Cambridge 2014

13