Can a coefficient value change? help

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the determination of the coefficient of friction (u) between a brick and a wooden ramp when the ramp is inclined. The coefficient is calculated using the formula u = Ff/Fn, where Ff is the frictional force and Fn is the normal force. As the ramp's angle increases, the relationship between the applied force (Fa) and the gravitational force (Fg) changes, complicating the calculation of u. The participants conclude that the coefficient value should remain consistent regardless of the angle, provided the forces are accurately accounted for.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and friction.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion and force summation.
  • Knowledge of the coefficient of friction and its calculation methods.
  • Experience with inclined plane problems in classical mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the coefficient of friction on inclined planes.
  • Learn about the differences in friction coefficients between various materials, such as wood and concrete.
  • Explore the effects of angle on frictional forces in greater detail.
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring friction coefficients in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in experimental mechanics, particularly those studying friction and inclined planes.

northern expo
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this is a similar question to an earlier queestion but an interesting relationship occurred.

when finding an experiemental coefficient of friction between a brick and a wooden ramp we can determine this coefficient by applying a measureable force at a constant velocity and the weight of the object ( u = fa / fg ) where the fa is theforce parallel and fg is the force normal. no problem with this but as the ramp is elevated (creating an incline) and we look at the force parallel required to pull it up the ramp at a constant velocity and the force normal (cos angle x fg ) this relationship appears to an increasing value due to the increasing fa and a decreasing fn. is there something I'm missing or can i not find a coefficient value by pulling up an incline and only when allowing it to slide down the ramp?

I'm sure there is something simple I'm missing. any help?
also is there a standard value between wood and concrete?
 
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There is more to the story than fa/fg when the ramp is inclined.

Ff = u Fn
u = Ff/Fn

Fn is mg cos(angle)
Ff is not equal to Fa like it was for the horizontal surface. Now Fa is being opposed by a part of Fg and Ff.

So we do a summation of forces along the path of motion (up the ramp) and set it equal to zero:
Fa - Ff - Fg sin(angle) = 0
Ff = Fa - mg sin(angle)

u = Ff/Fn = [Fa - mg sin(angle)]/[mg cos(angle)]

It should give you the same answer no matter what the angle is.
 

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