Finding Kinetic Coefficient of Friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic coefficient of friction (μ_k) for a 2 kg block being pulled up a 22° incline with a force of 10N while moving at constant speed. The participants clarify the forces acting on the block, including the normal force (F_N), gravitational components, and kinetic friction (f_k). The correct formula derived is μ_k = (F - mgsinθ) / (mgcosθ), leading to a calculated value of μ_k = 0.1257, which differs from the answer key's μ_k = 0.55, prompting further investigation into the calculations and assumptions regarding the direction of friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of forces acting on inclined planes
  • Familiarity with the concepts of normal force and kinetic friction
  • Ability to perform trigonometric calculations involving sine and cosine
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of forces on inclined planes in physics
  • Study the principles of kinetic friction and its direction relative to motion
  • Practice solving problems involving friction on inclines with varying angles
  • Explore the differences between static and kinetic friction coefficients
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and friction, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to forces on inclined planes.

dzimme2
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Homework Statement



A 2 kg. block is pulled up a 22° incline with a force of 10N parallel to the incline. What is μ_{}k if it moves up with constant speed?

Homework Equations



F_{}N = Normal Force
f_{}k = μ_{}k F_{}N



The Attempt at a Solution



Forces perpendicular to plane: y-vector component of gravity, mgcos\theta (negative) , normal force, F_{}N (positive)

Forces parallel to plane: applied force, F (up plane) , kinetic frictional force, f_{}k (up plane), and x-vector component of gravity, mgsin\theta (down plane)

F_{}net_{}y = F_{}N - mgcos\theta = 0
F_{}N = mgcos\theta

F_{}net_{}x = F - mgsin\theta + f_{}k = 0
f_{}k = mgsin\theta - F

μ_{}kmgcos\theta = mgsin\theta - F
μ_{}k = [ mgsin\theta - F ] / [ mgcos\theta ]
μ_{}k = ...

The given answer is μ_{}k = 0.55 but I can not come up with this. Please help, thanks!
 
Last edited:
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welcome to pf!

hi dzimme2! welcome to pf! :smile:
dzimme2 said:
F_{}net_{}x = F - mgsin\theta + f_{}k = 0

(erm :redface: … the whole point of latex brackets is that you put things inside them! :wink:)

no, the friction is downhill, like the gravity, isn't it? :smile:
 


tiny-tim said:
hi dzimme2! welcome to pf! :smile:

Why thank you, I've frequented the site lately as a guest but finally decided to join. My thanks to you all!

(erm :redface: … the whole point of latex brackets is that you put things inside them! :wink:)

I'm not exactly sure as to what you are referring, but if it's regarding the 'Fnet' term, I was attempting to subscript "net" with the subscript "x".

no, the friction is downhill, like the gravity, isn't it? :smile:


I was under the impression that the kinetic frictional force would oppose the block's ability to slide down the plane due to gravity. While the applied force is pushing the box up the plane and gravity is pulling the block down the plane, wouldn't the frictional force be directed up the slope in opposition of the gravitational component?
 
hi dzimme2! :smile:
dzimme2 said:
I was under the impression that the kinetic frictional force would oppose the block's ability to slide down the plane due to gravity. While the applied force is pushing the box up the plane and gravity is pulling the block down the plane, wouldn't the frictional force be directed up the slope in opposition of the gravitational component?

ah, nope :redface:

the direction of kinetic friction is always opposite the actual motion

here, the actual motion is up, so the friction is down :wink:

(the direction of friction in the static case is more complicated, but in the kinetic case it's very simple!)
 
tiny-tim said:
hi dzimme2! :smile:


ah, nope :redface:

the direction of kinetic friction is always opposite the actual motion

here, the actual motion is up, so the friction is down :wink:

(the direction of friction in the static case is more complicated, but in the kinetic case it's very simple!)

Ohh, I see. Could prove to be the error with other problems as well. I'll try it out and see what I get. Thanks again!
 
After changing the sign of f_{k} to restate : F_{net}_{x} = F - mgsin\theta - f_{k} = 0;

f_{k} = F - mgsin\theta
μ_{k} F_{N} = F - mgsin\theta
μ_{k} mgcos\theta = F - mgsin\theta
μ_{k} = \frac{F - mgsin\theta}{mgcos\theta}
μ_{k} = \frac{(10 N) - (2kg)(9.8 m/s^2)sin 22}{ (2kg)(9.8m/s^2)cos 22}

μ_{k} = 0.1257

However, the answer key has μ_{k} = 0.55 .

?
 
dzimme2 said:
However, the answer key has μ_{k} = 0.55 .

?

i can't get 0.55 :confused:
 
tiny-tim said:
i can't get 0.55 :confused:

Do you get 0.1257?
 
dzimme2 said:
Do you get 0.1257?

i make it 0.146 :confused:
 

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