Find the Coffiecient of Rolling Friction

In summary, the conversation discusses two bicycle tires rolling at the same initial speed along a straight road. The distance traveled by each tire before its speed is reduced by half is measured, with one tire at a pressure of 40 psi going 18.1 m and the other at 105 psi going 93.1 m. The question asks for the coefficient of rolling friction for the tire under low pressure, and the solution involves finding the acceleration, which can then be used to calculate the frictional force and the coefficient of friction.
  • #1
kenau_reveas
39
0
Information given:

Two bicycle tires are set rolling with the same initial speed of 3.60 m/s along a long, straight road, and the distance each travels before its speed is reduced by half is measured. One tire is inflated to a pressure of 40 {\rm psi} and goes a distance of 18.1 m; the other is at 105 {\rm psi} and goes a distance of 93.1 m. Assume that the net horizontal force is due to rolling friction only and take the free-fall acceleration to be g = 9.80 m/s^2.

Question 1:

What is the coefficient of rolling friction mu_r for the tire under low pressure?



i really don't have a clue about this question
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
kenau_reveas said:
Information given:

Two bicycle tires are set rolling with the same initial speed of 3.60 m/s along a long, straight road, and the distance each travels before its speed is reduced by half is measured. One tire is inflated to a pressure of 40 {\rm psi} and goes a distance of 18.1 m; the other is at 105 {\rm psi} and goes a distance of 93.1 m. Assume that the net horizontal force is due to rolling friction only and take the free-fall acceleration to be g = 9.80 m/s^2.

Question 1:

What is the coefficient of rolling friction mu_r for the tire under low pressure?



i really don't have a clue about this question
Here are some clues
You know the velocity change and the distance it took for that change to occur. Can you find the acceleration? Once you know the acceleration, you can find the force that was acting to slow the tire. This is the frictional force, which is a fraction of the normal force. The fraction is called the coefficient of friction. On a flat surface, the normal force is simply related to the weight of the object.
 
  • #3
i can find acceleration..but no clue after that..
 
  • #4
kenau_reveas said:
i can find acceleration..but no clue after that..
F = ma
You don't know the mass, but in the end it will cancel. From the acceleration you know the frictional force. You also kow that the frictional force is proportional to the normal force and the mormal force is proportional to the weight (which is proportional to the mass). If you turn these statements into the appropriate equations, the mass will divide out and you will find the answer.
 

Related to Find the Coffiecient of Rolling Friction

1. What is the coefficient of rolling friction?

The coefficient of rolling friction is a dimensionless quantity that represents the resistance to motion of a rolling object on a surface. It is denoted by the symbol μ and is typically measured in units of force divided by force, such as N/N or lb/lb.

2. How is the coefficient of rolling friction determined?

The coefficient of rolling friction can be determined experimentally by measuring the force required to keep a rolling object in motion on a surface. This force should be divided by the weight of the object to obtain the coefficient of rolling friction.

3. What factors affect the coefficient of rolling friction?

The coefficient of rolling friction is affected by several factors, including the surface roughness of the object and the surface it is rolling on, the size and shape of the object, and the speed at which it is rolling. Additionally, the coefficient of rolling friction can also be affected by external factors such as temperature and humidity.

4. How is rolling friction different from sliding friction?

Rolling friction and sliding friction are both types of kinetic friction, but they differ in the way they are generated. Rolling friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface, while sliding friction occurs when an object slides over a surface. Rolling friction is typically lower than sliding friction, making it easier for objects to roll rather than slide.

5. Can the coefficient of rolling friction be reduced?

Yes, the coefficient of rolling friction can be reduced by using smoother surfaces, such as ball bearings, to reduce the contact area between the object and the surface. Additionally, using lubricants can also help reduce the coefficient of rolling friction by reducing the friction between the object and the surface it is rolling on.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
60
Views
354
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
863
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
12K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top