Calculating the coefficicent of friction

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a hockey puck being hit and decelerating at a constant rate. The summary includes the given information, equations used to solve the problem, and the correct answers for the coefficient of friction and distance traveled by the puck. The conversation also mentions the mass and weight of the puck, and how the normal force can be replaced with the product of mass and gravity.
  • #1
sskk221
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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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  • #2
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?
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
haha thanks for the help! Forgot that the Normal force (N) can be replaced with "mg"
 
  • #5
dang i could helped you with this one, we just finished are test on this. Cool
 

What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a numerical value that represents the amount of resistance between two surfaces in contact with each other. It is used to calculate the force required to move an object over a surface.

How is the coefficient of friction calculated?

The coefficient of friction is calculated by dividing the force required to move an object over a surface (known as the frictional force) by the weight of the object. This calculation can be done using various methods, such as the inclined plane method or the block on block method.

What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by several factors, including the type of surfaces in contact with each other, the roughness of the surfaces, the amount of force applied, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants.

What are the units of the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a unitless value and does not have any specific units. However, it is often represented by the symbol "µ" and can range from 0 (no friction) to 1 (maximum friction).

Why is calculating the coefficient of friction important?

Calculating the coefficient of friction is important in various fields, such as engineering, physics, and materials science. It helps in understanding the interactions between surfaces and can be used to design and improve structures and machines, predict motion and stability, and determine the wear and tear of materials.

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