Determine the coefficient of friction

In summary, using the equations for displacement, net force, and velocity, the coefficient of friction between the box and the floor can be determined by solving for acceleration. Assuming the initial velocity of the box is zero, two equations can be used to solve for the acceleration, which is then plugged into the force equation to obtain the coefficient of friction.
  • #1
retracell
22
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


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


The Attempt at a Solution


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

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

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?
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 

What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless number that represents the amount of resistance between two surfaces when in contact with each other. It is a ratio of the force required to move one surface over the other to the force holding them together.

How is the coefficient of friction determined?

The coefficient of friction can be determined by dividing the force required to move one surface over the other by the weight or normal force of the object. It can also be calculated by measuring the angle at which an object begins to slide on an inclined plane.

What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by several factors, including the nature of the surfaces in contact, the roughness or smoothness of the surfaces, the temperature, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants.

Why is the coefficient of friction important?

The coefficient of friction is important in various fields, including engineering, physics, and materials science. It helps determine the amount of force needed to move an object, the amount of wear and tear on surfaces, and the efficiency of machines and processes.

What are some practical applications of knowing the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is used in many practical applications, such as designing brakes for vehicles, determining the grip of tires on different road surfaces, creating non-slip surfaces, and developing lubricants for machinery. It is also important in sports, such as determining the performance of different types of sports shoes on different surfaces.

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