Conservation of Energy and coefficients of friction

In summary, the problem is a skier traveling 11 m/s reaching the foot of a 17 degree incline and gliding 12 meters upward before coming to rest. The average coefficient of friction needs to be calculated, and the Conservation of energy theorem has been attempted but is not working. A suggestion is made to try using coefficient of friction = Flim/R, and the correct answer is eventually found to be 0.23 after realizing a miscalculation of the normal force.
  • #1
chem07
2
0
Try this problem:
A skier traveling 11 m/s reaches the foot of a steady upward 17 degree incline and glides 12 meters upward along this slope before coming to rest. Calculate the average coefficient of friction.

I've tried using the Conservation of energy theorem, but it is not working. Is there an easier way? By the way, the correct coefficient should be 0.23.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!
"Energy" should work just fine; post what you've done.
 
  • #3
Have you tried doing: coefficient of friction = Flim/R ?? I don't really know much about it, it's just the way I was taught to tackle something like this at AS level.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
I finally did figure out the correct answer to this problem. I was using the conservation of energy theorem correctly, but had calculated the incorrect normal force (friction force= coefficient of friction*normal force).
 

1. What is the law of conservation of energy and how does it relate to coefficients of friction?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. This law applies to all systems, including those involving friction. Coefficients of friction represent the amount of energy lost due to friction in a system, and they play a crucial role in calculating the overall energy balance of a system.

2. How do coefficients of friction affect the efficiency of a system?

Coefficients of friction directly impact the efficiency of a system. The higher the coefficient of friction, the more energy will be lost due to friction. This results in a decrease in the overall efficiency of the system. In order to improve the efficiency of a system, it is important to minimize the coefficients of friction by using lubricants or decreasing the contact area between surfaces.

3. What factors can influence the value of coefficients of friction?

The value of coefficients of friction can be influenced by various factors. These include the type of materials in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, the amount of force applied, and the speed of the objects in motion. Additionally, the presence of lubricants or contaminants can also affect the value of coefficients of friction.

4. How can we calculate the energy lost due to friction in a system?

The energy lost due to friction can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction by the normal force and the distance traveled. This result can then be used to determine the efficiency of the system and identify areas for improvement. It is important to accurately measure and account for all factors that may affect the value of coefficients of friction in order to make precise calculations.

5. How does understanding conservation of energy and coefficients of friction benefit society?

Understanding conservation of energy and coefficients of friction is crucial in many industries and everyday life. It allows us to design more efficient systems, such as engines and machines, which can save energy and reduce costs. It also helps us make informed decisions about the use of resources, as well as develop sustainable practices to conserve energy. Additionally, knowledge of these concepts can aid in the development of new technologies and advancements in various fields.

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