Coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor?

In summary, a woman is sitting in a reclining chair on a waxed floor in front of a compressed spring that is 5.00 m from its equilibrium position. She is 19.8 m away from a glass and has a mass of 60.0 kg. The question asks for the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the floor, assuming the acceleration due to gravity is 9.80 m/s^2. The spring constant, k, has already been found to be 95.0 N/m. However, the question is unclear and requires further clarification.
  • #1
togepyamy
7
0
A woman finds herself in a very odd contraption. She sits in a reclining chair, on a freshly waxed floor, in front of a large, compressed spring. The spring is compressed 5.00 m from its equilibrium position, and a glass sits 19.8 m from her outstretched foot.
Assuming the woman's mass is 60.0 kg, what is the u_k , the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor? Use 9.80 m/s^2 for the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity.

I've already found k which was 95.0 N/m...but I don't know where togo from here.
 
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  • #2
Sorry, can't fancy the situation
 
  • #3
Yep, that question is f'd.

What does the glass have to do with anything?

Is she the one compressing the spring?

I think the questiion needs a better description.
 
  • #4
the glass had to do with this problem: For what value of the spring constant k does the woman just reach the glass without knocking it over?
 
  • #5
Your original statement of the problem must be incomplete. How did you calculate the spring constant?
 
  • #6
I used an applet provided by mastering physics
 

FAQ: Coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor?

1. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor?

The coefficient of kinetic friction is a measure of the amount of resistance between two surfaces when one is moving relative to the other. In this case, it is the measure of the resistance between the chair and the waxed floor while the chair is in motion.

2. How is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor calculated?

The coefficient of kinetic friction can be calculated by dividing the force required to move the chair by the weight of the chair. This gives a unitless value that represents the amount of friction between the two surfaces.

3. What factors can affect the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor?

The coefficient of kinetic friction can be affected by the texture and material of the surfaces, the force applied to the chair, and the presence of any lubricants or debris on the floor. The weight of the chair and the angle at which it is moving can also impact the coefficient of kinetic friction.

4. How does the coefficient of kinetic friction impact the movement of the chair on the waxed floor?

The coefficient of kinetic friction determines how much force is needed to move the chair across the waxed floor. A higher coefficient of kinetic friction means there is more resistance, so it will take more force to move the chair. Conversely, a lower coefficient of kinetic friction means less resistance and the chair will move more easily.

5. Can the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chair and the waxed floor be changed?

Yes, the coefficient of kinetic friction can be changed by altering the factors that affect it. For example, using a different wax or cleaning the floor can reduce the coefficient of kinetic friction. Adding weight to the chair or increasing the force applied to it can also change the coefficient of kinetic friction.

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