Calculating the coefficicent of friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coefficient of friction for a hockey puck that decelerates from 12 m/s to 6 m/s over 5 seconds. The acceleration is determined to be -1.2 m/s², leading to a distance traveled of 45 meters. The correct coefficient of friction is established as 0.12, derived from the relationship between acceleration and gravitational force using the formula μ = a/g, where g is 9.81 m/s². The participants confirm the calculations and clarify the application of the normal force in the context of friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law: F_net = ΣF = m*a
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically v = v₀ + a*t
  • Knowledge of frictional forces, particularly kinetic friction: f_k = μ_k * N
  • Basic grasp of gravitational force and its role in friction calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the coefficient of friction in various contexts
  • Learn about the implications of acceleration in real-world scenarios
  • Explore advanced kinematic equations for varying acceleration
  • Investigate the effects of different surfaces on the coefficient of friction
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction and motion in practical applications.

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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



\vec{F}_{net} = \Sigma \vec{F} = m \vec{a}
f_k = \mu_k N


The Attempt at a Solution



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

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