272. The calculated values are found to agree tolerably well with the observed values, but the presence of the large differences in No. 1 and No. 4 leads us to inquire whether by employing the more accurate law of friction ([Art. 141]) a better result may not be obtained.

In [Table VI]. we have shown that the friction for weights not exceeding 56 lbs. is expressed by the formula F = 0·9 + 0·266 × pressure, but the pressure is in this case = 0·955 R, and hence the friction is

0·9 + 0·254 R.

To this must be added 0·296 R, the component of the force of gravity which must be overcome, and hence the total force necessary is

0·9 + 0·55 R.

The powers calculated from this expression are compared with those actually observed in Table XV.

Table XV.—Inclined Plane.

Smooth plane of pine 72"× 11"; angle of inclination 17°·2; slide of pine, grain crosswise; slide started; formula P = 0·9 + 0·55 R.

Number of
Experiment.
R.
Total load
on slide
in lbs.
Power
in lbs.
which just
draws up slide.
P.
Calculated
value of
the power.
Differences of the
observed and
calculated powers.
1 7 4·6 4·7+0·1
214 8·3 8·6+0·3
32112·312·5+0·2
42816·516·3-0·2
53520·020·1+0·1
64224·224·0-0·2
74928·027·8-0·2
85631·831·7-0·1

For example: in experiment 5, a load of 35 lbs. is found to be raised by a power of 20·0 lbs., while the calculated power is 0·9 + 0·55 × 35 = 20·1 lbs.