Finding Coefficient of friction with limited info

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the coefficient of friction for a wheel given its radius and the torque exerted by an engine. Participants note the limited information provided and express concern about the feasibility of solving the problem with the available data.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between torque, frictional force, and angular acceleration, questioning how to connect these concepts with the given values. There is uncertainty about the necessary information to proceed with the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have acknowledged the under-defined nature of the problem and are exploring the implications of missing information. Suggestions have been made to clarify the setup, including the need for a diagram and additional details about the normal force.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the absence of critical information, such as the normal force acting on the wheel, which is essential for determining the coefficient of friction. There is a consensus that more data is needed to advance the discussion meaningfully.

shcksdid
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Homework Statement



A wheel has a radius of 0.4m . The engine exerts a torque on the wheel of 290 Nm. FInd the coefficient of friction.


Homework Equations



T=RFsin
T= Angular acceleration * Inertia (1/2MR^2)?

The Attempt at a Solution


My friend asked me this question, but I feel like there should be more information. Just based on these info, how can you solve this question? Do I set the two equation equal and find for F? What would be the angular acceleration?
 
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shcksdid said:

Homework Statement



A wheel has a radius of 0.4m . The engine exerts a torque on the wheel of 290 Nm. FInd the coefficient of friction.


Homework Equations



T=RFsin
T= Angular acceleration * Inertia (1/2MR^2)?

The Attempt at a Solution


My friend asked me this question, but I feel like there should be more information. Just based on these info, how can you solve this question? Do I set the two equation equal and find for F? What would be the angular acceleration?

Welcome to the PF.

Is there a diagram that goes with this question? We need some way to relate the frictional force to the retardation of the wheel. Is all of the frictional force applied at the outer edge of the wheel?
 
Thanks for the reply. I'm sorry but these were the only values that were given to me. So, is it impossible to solve this question from just the given information?
 
The problem does seem under-defined to me. You can assume that the frictional force is exerted at the outside edge of the disk, but what normal force is involved? Can you try to get more info?
 

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