Coefficient of Friction / Speed on incline.

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a rider on a waterslide and the necessary length of a splash pool. Key points include the use of energy conservation principles, specifically the relationship between kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE), factoring in friction coefficients for both the slide and the pool. The initial calculations suggest a final speed of approximately 12.21 m/s at the end of the slide, transitioning to 0.4712 m/s on the pool. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly applying the work-energy principle and friction formulas to determine stopping distances. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in using flow rates and friction coefficients in these calculations.
NoobertNoClue
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A waterslide ride consists of a straight guided ramp, at an angle theta (to the horizontal plane), with a transition to a short horizontal section at the bottom of the slide (1m long), just above the surface of a splace pool of length L. Patrons queue on a platform of height h (edge of platform is 18m from start of horizontal section of slide) before climbing onto a 10kg toboggan and sliding down slide under the force of gravity until they leave the slide and skip along surface of splash pool.

Water slide is lubricated by 12L/s of water

When theta = 53degrees
h = 7.6m

1. Determine Rider speed
2. and stopping distance if;
average weight of rider is 100kg and toboggan is 10kg
coefficient of friction between toboggan and slide (us) is;
0.2 (Q 20)/50 (Where Q is in L/s)
coefficient of friction between toboggan and pool water uw is;
0.6
****Taking into account dynamic friction only*****
3. Determine length of splash pool needed L




Homework Equations






The Attempt at a Solution



I have been trying to figure this out using various equations, none of which seems correct... someone please help guide me onto the right track?!

I think i need to use the equation a= netforce / mass = g(sin theta - cos theta)
then use the formula V(final)^2 = V(initial)^2 + 2 as
to find net force I just used netforce= mass x g <<<<<<< I think this is incorrect because I am supposed to factor in the angle?! but how?

then use formula Stopping distance (D) = (V(final)^2 / 2x us x g) - (V(final)^2 / 2x uw x g)

i cannot figure out where to use the flow rate in this at all... i think i have totally stuffed up... i really need help
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi NoobertNoClue! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a mu: µ and a theta: θ and try using the X2 and X2 tags just above the Reply box :wink:)

Don't use acceleration.

Use ∆(KE) + ∆(PE) = work done by friction. :wink:

(The only relevance of the flow rate is that you need it in the formula for the friction on the slide)
 
∆KE = 1/2mV(final)² - 1/2mV(initial)² ?
∆PE = mg∆h
∆EE is N/A
∆KE + ∆PE = 0

∆PE = 110kg x 9.81 x 7.6m
=8201.16

.·. Should ∆KE = -8201.16 ?

V(initial) = 0
∆KE = 0 - 1/2mV(final)²
V(final) = √(2x∆KE/ -m)
V(final) = 12.2114... m/s
at the end of the angular part of slide...

velocity at staright part of slide would be;
∆PE = 110kg x 9.81 x 0
=0
so ∆KE = 0 ?

0 = 12.21 - 1/2mV(final)²
-12.21 = -1/2mV(final)²

V(final) = 0.4712 m/s

am i correct so far??

Then velocity on pool =
0 = 0.4712 - 1/2mV(final)²
-0.4712 = -1/2mV(final)²
V(final)= 0.092559...m/s

how do i determine stopping distance from all of this?
do i use the coefficient of friction to determine force?
then divide?
if so do i use the formula

F= µR where R is normal force = mg <<<<<<<<<At this point was I supposed to use F= µN where N = mg(sin\vartheta-cos\vartheta)

F on slide = 0.2 x (110 x 9.81)
= 0.2 x 1079.1
= 215.82 N

then on the pool
= 0.6 x 1079.1
= 647.46

Stopping distance =
work = distance x force

so d = w/f
Total work (∆KE) = 1/2mV(final)² - 1/2mV(initial)²
= 1/2x110x0² - 1/2x110x0.09255²
=-0.4711026...

at this point i know i have gone terribly wrong...
should i just be using the formula
d=V²/2µg
where V would be the velocity at the end of the straight part of the slide
and µ would be the coefficient of friction of the pool water.?
 
Last edited:
Hi NoobertNoClue! :smile:

(just got up :zzz: …)
NoobertNoClue said:
∆KE + ∆PE = 0

No! As I said …

tiny-tim said:
Use ∆(KE) + ∆(PE) = work done by friction. :wink:

Start again. :smile:
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
48
Views
8K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
3K