Coefficient of Static Friction Problem

In summary, the problem asks for the coefficient of kinetic friction between a baseball player and the ground, given the player's mass, frictional force, and the equation for kinetic friction. The solution involves using the equation for frictional force and the normal force to calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction. In this case, the coefficient is 0.64.
  • #1
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[SOLVED] Coefficient of Static Friction Problem

Homework Statement


A baseball player with mass m = 73 kg, sliding into second base, is retarded by a frictional force of magnitude 460 N. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction µk between the player and the ground?



Homework Equations


force of kinetic friction
f(k)=[tex]\mu[/tex](k) N



The Attempt at a Solution


This is a homework question given by our teacher during finals week, however he failed to go over this subject this semester and I do not have any references in my notes. The book I am using (College Pysics, 2nd ed., Giambattista) goes over this subject but is very unclear on how to solve this type of problem. Any help will be appreciated, thanks!
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  • #2
Frictional force = coefficient of friction * normal force
Fn = mg = 73 * 9.8 = 715.4 N
Ff = 460 N
460 N = uk * 715.4 N

uk = .64
 
  • #3

I understand the importance of accurately solving problems and providing clear explanations. In this problem, we are given the mass of a baseball player and the magnitude of the frictional force acting on them while sliding into second base. Our goal is to find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the player and the ground.

To solve this problem, we can use the equation for the force of kinetic friction, which is f(k)=\mu(k) N. In this equation, f(k) represents the force of kinetic friction, \mu(k) represents the coefficient of kinetic friction, and N represents the normal force.

In this case, we are given the value for the force of kinetic friction (460 N) and the mass of the player (73 kg). We also know that the normal force is equal to the weight of the player, which can be calculated using the formula Fg=mg, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2).

Therefore, we can rearrange the equation f(k)=\mu(k) N to solve for the coefficient of kinetic friction, which gives us \mu(k)=f(k)/N. Plugging in the values we have, we get \mu(k)=460 N/(73 kg * 9.8 m/s^2) = 0.64.

This means that the coefficient of kinetic friction between the player and the ground is 0.64. We can interpret this as the amount of resistance the ground provides to the player's sliding motion. A higher value of \mu(k) would mean a greater resistance, while a lower value would mean less resistance.

In conclusion, by using the equation for the force of kinetic friction and the given information, we were able to solve for the coefficient of kinetic friction and determine the resistance between the player and the ground. This type of problem is important in understanding the dynamics of objects in motion and can be applied to real-life situations, such as sports or transportation.
 

What is the coefficient of static friction?

The coefficient of static friction is a dimensionless number that represents the maximum amount of force required to move an object over another object without any movement between the two surfaces.

How is the coefficient of static friction calculated?

The coefficient of static friction is calculated by dividing the maximum force needed to move an object by the normal force between the two surfaces.

What factors affect the coefficient of static friction?

The coefficient of static friction is affected by the nature of the two surfaces in contact, their roughness, and the presence of any lubricants or other substances between them.

Why is the coefficient of static friction important?

The coefficient of static friction is important because it helps determine the amount of force needed to move an object and whether or not it will remain stationary on a surface.

How does the coefficient of static friction differ from the coefficient of kinetic friction?

The coefficient of static friction is the maximum amount of force needed to overcome the initial static friction and start the motion of an object, while the coefficient of kinetic friction is the resistance to motion once the object is already in motion. The coefficient of static friction is usually greater than the coefficient of kinetic friction.

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