Calculating the coefficicent of friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the coefficient of friction for a hockey puck that decelerates from 12 m/s to 6 m/s over 5 seconds. Participants are exploring the relationship between acceleration, distance traveled, and frictional forces.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of acceleration and distance using kinematic equations. There is a focus on the relationship between friction and acceleration, with some questioning the assumptions made regarding the signs of acceleration and the normal force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the equations of motion and the forces involved. There is acknowledgment of the correct acceleration value, but also a recognition of potential errors in the distance calculation. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the coefficient of friction.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the normal force can be expressed in terms of the puck's weight, and there is a mention of the gravitational constant as part of the friction calculations. There is also a reference to a recent test that may influence the discussion context.

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Homework Statement



A hockey Puck is hit and starts moving at 12m/s. Exactly 5 s later its speed is 6m/s. What is the coefficient of friction? How far has the pick traveled during the 5 s?

Homework Equations



[tex]\vec{F}_{net} = \Sigma \vec{F} = m \vec{a}[/tex]
[tex]f_k = \mu_k N[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]v = v_0 + a t[/tex]
[tex]6m/s = 12m/s + a 5s[/tex]
a= -1.2 m/s^2

[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2[/tex]
[tex]x = 0m + 12*5s + (1/2) (-1.2m/s^2) 5^2[/tex]
x= 45m

Not sure how to precede. Answers are x =75m and coefficient of friction = 0.12. I apparently did the first part wrong:redface:
 
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I think you're right. Your acceleration is definitely correct, and your substitution into the distance equation is correct. (To get x=75, one would put in 1.2 for the acceleration, but it is clearly decelerating!)

For the next part, use your two equations concerning the force. Put the mass in as m; it will cancel. Can you go on from here?
 
coefficient of friction = 0.12
You have the correct magnitude of acceleration, which is consistent with 0.12.

The weight of the puck is mg, and the force of friction is mu*mg = ma, so

a = mu * g or mu = a/g, and g = 9.81 m/s2.

So one has to determine how far a puck travels while decelerating at a constant 1.2 m/s2, i.e. -1.2 m/s2 acceleration.
 
haha thanks for the help! Forgot that the Normal force (N) can be replaced with "mg"
 
dang i could helped you with this one, we just finished are test on this. Cool
 

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