How to find Friction Force and Coefficient of Friction?

In summary, the conversation is discussing a homework problem that involves finding the friction force and coefficient of friction for a 15 kg block sliding up a 20-degree incline with a horizontal force of 200 N and an acceleration of 25 cm/s^2. The friction force is found to be 134 N and the coefficient of friction is calculated to be 0.97, but the correct answer is 0.65. The conversation ends with the person asking for help to understand their error.
  • #1
softball1394
13
0

Homework Statement



A horizontal force of 200 n is required to cause a 15 kg block to slide up a 20degree incline with acceleration of 25 cm/s^2. Find the friction force on the block and the coefficient of friction.
ANSWERS:
Friction force = 134N
Coefficient of Friction = 0.65

Homework Equations


Ff = u Fn

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't figure out where to begin.
I'm not sure if it's relevant, but I found:
Fg to be 147.15 N
horizontal component to be 50.33 N
Vertical component to be 138.28N
 
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  • #2
anyone there?

Part one:
Fgcos(20) - Ff = ma
138.28N - Ff = 15 x .25m/s^2
138.28N - Ff = 3.75
-138.28 -138.28
-Ff=-134.53
Ff=134.53N
(Hopefully this is correct?)

Part 2:
Ff = u Fn
u = Ff / Fn
u = 134.53N / 138.28N
u = .97

But the answer should be .65.
What am I doing wrong? The normal force should be 138.28 because 147.15cos(20) is 138.28, right?
Ugh, this is too confusing. Please help!
 

1. How is friction force calculated?

Friction force can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction (µ) by the normal force (N) acting on an object. The formula for friction force is Ff = µN.

2. What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is affected by the type of surfaces in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, and the presence of any lubricants. Additionally, the coefficient of friction can also be affected by the weight of the object and the force applied.

3. How do you measure the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be measured by conducting an experiment in which the force required to move an object across a surface is measured for different weights and surfaces. The coefficient of friction is then calculated using the formula µ = Ff/N.

4. What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents an object from moving when a force is applied to it. Kinetic friction, on the other hand, is the force that acts on an object as it moves across a surface. The coefficient of static friction is typically higher than the coefficient of kinetic friction.

5. How does friction affect an object's motion?

Friction acts as a resistance force that opposes an object's motion. It can slow down or stop the motion of an object, or it can cause the object to change direction. In some cases, friction can also be beneficial by providing traction and preventing slipping or sliding.

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