Coefficient of Friction / Speed on incline.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a waterslide scenario where a rider descends a ramp at an angle, transitioning to a horizontal section before entering a splash pool. The goal is to determine the rider's speed and the required length of the splash pool, given specific parameters such as the angle of the slide, height, weight of the rider, and coefficients of friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply equations related to kinetic and potential energy to find the rider's speed and stopping distance but expresses uncertainty about the correct application of forces and angles.
  • Some participants suggest using the work-energy principle and question the necessity of acceleration in the calculations.
  • There are discussions about how to incorporate the flow rate into the friction calculations and whether to use different coefficients of friction for the slide and the pool.
  • Questions arise regarding the correct interpretation of energy changes and the application of friction forces in determining stopping distance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of energy principles, but there is no clear consensus on the correct method to proceed. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered, and participants are actively questioning their assumptions and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. There is a focus on dynamic friction only, and the original poster has expressed confusion about how to integrate the flow rate into their calculations.

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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