Determining Coefficient of Kinetic Friction w/m, t, and v

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction for a 2.0 kg block of wood sliding to rest over 2.5 seconds from an initial velocity of 9.0 m/s. The correct coefficient of kinetic friction (μ) is determined to be approximately 0.367 using the formula μ = a/g, where acceleration (a) is calculated as 9 m/s divided by 2.5 s, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). The calculations confirm that the initial approach was correct, leading to a consistent result across multiple attempts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of the relationship between force of friction and normal force (Friction = μ * Normal Force)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the coefficient of friction in different scenarios
  • Learn about the effects of surface materials on kinetic friction
  • Explore advanced kinematics involving frictional forces
  • Investigate real-world applications of friction in engineering
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Students in physics courses, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction and motion dynamics.

crushedcorn
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Homework Statement


A 2.0 kg block of wood slides over a horizontal surface and comes to rest in 2.5 s. If its initial velocity was 9.0 m/s, what is the coefficient of kinetic friction?

Homework Equations


rho=mv
change in rho=F*change in t
Force of friction = mu*Force normal
Force normal=mg

The Attempt at a Solution


rho=(2.0 kg)(9.0 m/s)=18 kg*m/s
18 kg*m/s=Force of friction(2.5 s)
Force of friction=7.2
mu*Force normal=7.2
mu(2.0 kg)(9.80 m/s squared)=7.2
mu=0.37

I don't know what the correct answer to this question is and I potentially may not know until the day of my exam. Can anyone tell me if I'm doing this correctly or if I'm missing something? I really appreciated it!
 
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crushedcorn said:

Homework Statement


A 2.0 kg block of wood slides over a horizontal surface and comes to rest in 2.5 s. If its initial velocity was 9.0 m/s, what is the coefficient of kinetic friction?

Homework Equations


rho=mv
change in rho=F*change in t
Force of friction = mu*Force normal
Force normal=mg

The Attempt at a Solution


rho=(2.0 kg)(9.0 m/s)=18 kg*m/s
18 kg*m/s=Force of friction(2.5 s)
Force of friction=7.2
mu*Force normal=7.2
mu(2.0 kg)(9.80 m/s squared)=7.2
mu=0.37

I don't know what the correct answer to this question is and I potentially may not know until the day of my exam. Can anyone tell me if I'm doing this correctly or if I'm missing something? I really appreciated it!

Looks good to me.

F = ma = μN = μmg

a = μg

μ = a/g = [(9m/s)/(2.5s)]/(9.8m/s^2) = 0.367

:smile:
 
berkeman said:
Looks good to me.

F = ma = μN = μmg

a = μg

μ = a/g = [(9m/s)/(2.5s)]/(9.8m/s^2) = 0.367

:smile:

Thanks!
 

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