Coefficient of Friction / Speed on incline.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rider's speed and stopping distance on a waterslide with specific parameters, including a 10 kg toboggan and a rider weight of 100 kg. The coefficient of friction between the toboggan and the slide is 0.2, while the coefficient between the toboggan and the pool water is 0.6. Key equations include the conservation of energy principle, where the change in kinetic energy (∆KE) and potential energy (∆PE) equals the work done by friction. The final speed at the end of the slide is determined to be approximately 12.21 m/s, with subsequent calculations for stopping distance needing refinement based on frictional forces.

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NoobertNoClue
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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:
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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:
 
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