Determine the coefficient of friction

AI Thread Summary
To determine the coefficient of friction for a 10kg cardboard box sliding 6.0m in 2.2s, the net force and acceleration must be calculated. The equations of motion indicate that the box decelerates due to friction, which can be expressed as ma = -μmg. The initial velocity cannot be assumed to be zero since the box was thrown; thus, the correct approach involves calculating the initial velocity using the kinematic equation. By rearranging the equations, two equations with two unknowns can be established, allowing for the calculation of acceleration and subsequently the coefficient of friction. The final result indicates that the coefficient of friction is approximately 0.26.
retracell
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A small 10kg cardboard box is thrown across a level floor. It slides a distance of 6.0m, stopping in 2.2s. Determine the coefficient of friction between the box and the floor.


Homework Equations


\[\Delta d={{v}_{0}}t+\frac{1}{2}a{{t}^{2}}\]
\[{{F}_{net}}=ma\]


The Attempt at a Solution


\[ma=-\mu mg\]
\[10a=-\mu 10(9.8)\]

\[6={{v}_{0}}(2.2)-\frac{1}{2}a{{(2.2)}^{2}}\]

How would I go about finding the acceleration?
The answer given is 0.26, which means the initially velocity of the cardboard box is zero. Is it okay to assume that the box is initially going at zero velocity and then decelerates to zero velocity due to friction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Write down the equation for the velocity of the box. What can you conclude from it? Since the box is thrown, obviously the initial velocity can't be zero.
 
One more equation to use is vf = vi+at, thus,
-vi = at
since vf = 0.
Now there are two equation with two unknowns (when considering the equations you have posed). You may now solve for acceleration.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top