Pulling a 20.0kg Sled: Calculating the Coefficient of Friction

In summary: I already solved the problem, tnx againIn summary, the question asks for the coefficient of kinetic friction for a 20.0kg sled being pulled at a constant velocity with a 80.0 Newton pulling force at a 30 degree angle above the horizontal. To solve this, one must consider the forces acting on the sled, find the vertical and horizontal components of the pulling force, and understand the relationship between friction force and normal force. The fact that the sled is moving at a constant velocity also tells us that the net force on the sled is zero.
  • #1
jandominic145
30
0
A 20.0kg sled is being pulled across a horizontal surface at a CONSTANT VELOCITY. The pulling force has a magnitude of 80.0 Newtons(N) and is directed at an angle of 30 degreesabove the horizontal. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums.

What are your thought's thus far? What have you attempted? The homework template is there for a reason, please use it.
 
  • #3
What have you done on this? Have you determined the horizontal and vertical components of that pulling force?
 
  • #4
i want to know the formula and given
but i didn't understand this question
 
  • #5
jandominic145 said:
i want to know the formula and given
but i didn't understand this question
What don't you understand about the question?

Please stop reporting posts. Try reply to a specific post, please us the quote button, or the reply box and the bottom of the page.
 
  • #6
Hints:
(1) What forces act on the sled? Find the vertical and horizontal components.
(2) How does the friction force relate to the normal force?
(3) What does "constant velocity" tell you about the net force on the sled?

If these questions do not ring any bells or make no sense to you, then you are not ready to attack this problem. Crack open the textbook or your class notes.
 
  • #7
jandominic145 said:
A 20.0kg sled is being pulled across a horizontal surface at a CONSTANT VELOCITY. The pulling force has a magnitude of 80.0 Newtons(N) and is directed at an angle of 30 degreesabove the horizontal. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction?
Simply repeating the question isn't going to get you anywhere. If you want our help, your going to have to start doing some work.
 
  • #8
Doc Al said:
Hints:
(1) What forces act on the sled? Find the vertical and horizontal components.
(2) How does the friction force relate to the normal force?
(3) What does "constant velocity" tell you about the net force on the sled?

If these questions do not ring any bells or make no sense to you, then you are not ready to attack this problem. Crack open the textbook or your class notes.



tnx Doc Al
 

1. What is a coefficient of friction?

A coefficient of friction is a numerical value that represents the level of resistance between two surfaces when they are in contact and moving relative to each other. It is a unitless value and can range from 0 (no friction) to 1 (maximum friction).

2. How is the coefficient of friction calculated?

The coefficient of friction can be calculated by dividing the force required to overcome the frictional force by the weight of the object. This can be represented by the formula μ = F/W, where μ is the coefficient of friction, F is the force required to move the object, and W is the weight of the object.

3. Why is it important to calculate the coefficient of friction?

Calculating the coefficient of friction is important because it allows us to understand the level of resistance between two surfaces, which can affect the performance and movement of objects. It is also used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and material science to design and improve upon structures and objects.

4. What factors can affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by various factors such as the nature of the surfaces in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, the force applied, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants.

5. How does the coefficient of friction impact pulling a 20.0kg sled?

The coefficient of friction plays a crucial role in pulling a 20.0kg sled as it determines the amount of force required to overcome the frictional force between the sled and the surface it is being pulled on. A higher coefficient of friction would require more force to move the sled, while a lower coefficient would result in easier movement.

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