Coefficient of Kinetic Friction from M, Angle, Accel.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction for a 52 kg box on a 10.3-degree slope, given its distance and time of travel. The initial attempts at solving the problem involve using incorrect equations and setups, leading to confusion about the acceleration and forces involved. Key points include the need to correctly calculate acceleration using the formula s = ut + 0.5at², rather than the incorrect method initially used. The user expresses difficulty in understanding the steps and seeks clarification on the calculations for forces parallel and perpendicular to the slope. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of using appropriate physics equations and understanding the relationships between forces in motion.
Flash70
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Homework Statement



Physics1.jpg


m = 52kg
theta = 10.3deg
t = 5.8s
d = 3.63 m

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so here are my attempts. If they are way off, take it easy on me :). I am not very good at this. Am I missing negatives or am I way off on this? Are my trigs set up correctly?
Thanks for you help.

Try 1) ma = mg (sin10.3) - Umg(cos10.3)
Try 2)
ma = 52kg * (3.63/5.8^2)
mg = 52kg*9.8
mg(sin10.3)+ma = Force of friction
mg(cos10.3) = Force Normal
muk = force of friction / force normal
 
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Flash70 said:

Homework Statement



Physics1.jpg


m = 52kg
theta = 10.3deg
t = 5.8s
d = 3.63 m

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so here are my attempts. If they are way off, take it easy on me :). I am not very good at this. Am I missing negatives or am I way off on this? Are my trigs set up correctly?
Thanks for you help.

Try 1) ma = mg (sin10.3) - Umg(cos10.3)
Try 2)
ma = 52kg * (3.63/5.8^2)
mg = 52kg*9.8
mg(sin10.3)+ma = Force of friction
mg(cos10.3) = Force Normal
muk = force of friction / force normal

Try to break it down into simpler pieces.

If the box covers 3.63 m in 5.8 seconds, what acceleration has it had?

For that acceleration, what has been the net force on the 52 kg box.

Since the box is on 10.3 degree slope, what is the component of the weight force parallel to the slope? perpendicular to the slope?

What must be the size of the friction force in order to get the net force you got in step 2 ?

Using F = μR what must the coefficient of friction be. [remember R is the reaction force from the slope, which balances the weight component perpendicular to the slope.]
 
I hate to ask this but would it be possible for you to explain it in a different way?
For some reason I am not following what you are saying. I believe I have the answers to the first three questions you asked in my Try 2, but am kind of confused.

Sorry about that.
 
Flash70 said:
I hate to ask this but would it be possible for you to explain it in a different way?
For some reason I am not following what you are saying. I believe I have the answers to the first three questions you asked in my Try 2, but am kind of confused.

Sorry about that.

I described it the way I would do it.

Your answer was a mixture of formulas, with no indication of what you were planning to do with each step - that is why I couldn't comment directly on your work.
 
Ok I apologize for that. I solved for ma and mg in the beginning then just plugged those numbers into the formulas I wrote. It will appear like this:

509.6 * sin(10.3) + 5.61117 = 96.7288 force of friction
509.6 * cos(10.3) = 501.388 normal force
96.7288/501.388 = .1929

I feel as if the equation I was using in Try 1 may have been more on the money, but it is wrong. I used : ma = mg (sin10.3) - Umg(cos10.3)
5.61117 = (52kg*9.8)(sin10.3) - U(52kg*9.8*cos10.3)
 
Flash70 said:
Ok I apologize for that. I solved for ma and mg in the beginning then just plugged those numbers into the formulas I wrote. It will appear like this:

509.6 * sin(10.3) + 5.61117 = 96.7288 force of friction
509.6 * cos(10.3) = 501.388 normal force
96.7288/501.388 = .1929

I feel as if the equation I was using in Try 1 may have been more on the money, but it is wrong. I used : ma = mg (sin10.3) - Umg(cos10.3)
5.61117 = (52kg*9.8)(sin10.3) - U(52kg*9.8*cos10.3)

I think you acceleration figure is wrong.

You said ma = 52kg * (3.63/5.8^2)

You effectively have claimed a = s/t2 which means s = at2

That does not gel with one of the formulas s = ut + 0.5at2
 
You are absolutely right. I was stuck using the wrong thing from last chapter but I am so used to using it I couldn't recognize it!

Thank you Peter!
 
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