Finding the Coefficient of friction

In summary, the problem involves a 135 kg sled being pulled at a uniform speed by a rope at a 19.3 degree angle. The tension in the rope is 119 N and the coefficient of friction must be found. Using the equation u=Ff/Fn, the force from the horizontal is found using trigonometry and is calculated to be 112.3 N. Plugging this into the equation, the coefficient of friction is found to be 0.8319. However, considering the mass of the sled and the upward component of the pulling force, the correct calculation for the coefficient of friction is 0.0874. There was a small math error in the calculations, but overall the method was correct.
  • #1
Nanart
13
0

Homework Statement



A 135 kg sled is being pulled along a horizontal surface at a uniform speed by means of a rope making an angle of 19.3 degrees with the horiontal. If the tension in the rope is 119 N Find the Coefficient of friction.

Homework Equations



u=Ff/Fn

The Attempt at a Solution


I have never done a question like this before but i fugured i probably had to find the force from the horizontal..im not sure if i did it right but i used trig to find that force and i got 112.3 N i then put that in the formula U=112.3/135 and i got 0.8319 but I really have no idea if i did it right.
 
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  • #2
You are correct. [tex]\mu F=F_{f}[/tex] so the ratio of the 2 must be the coefficient of friction. I also checked and our numbers match.
 
  • #3
djeitnstine said:
You are correct. [tex]\mu F=F_{f}[/tex] so the ratio of the 2 must be the coefficient of friction. I also checked and our numbers match.

Awsome...Thanks
 
  • #4
But don't forget that the weight of the block is not 135 N; its mass is 135 Kg. Also, the normal force fron the weight is offset by the upward component of the pulling force.
 
  • #5
HI i don't really get how u get u=112.3/135
do you use the component method?
here are my calculations...please tell me if they are right
y components
Fnet=Tensiony +Fnormal - Forcegravity
0 =119*sin19.3 + Fnormal -135*9.8
Fnormal= 135*9.8 -119*sin19.3
=1362.33N
Ff=1362.33*u
x components
Fnet= Fappx-Ff
135*a=119cos19.3 - 1362.33
0=119Cos19.3 - 1362.33 (because constant velocity, so acceleration= 0)
U=119Cos19.3/1362.33
=0.0824

I am in grade 12 and I understand tht grade 12 and grade 11 methods are different, but please tell me what i did wrong and why i am not getting the right answer. THank you
 
  • #6
cad8 said:
HI i don't really get how u get u=112.3/135
do you use the component method?
here are my calculations...please tell me if they are right
y components
Fnet=Tensiony +Fnormal - Forcegravity
0 =119*sin19.3 + Fnormal -135*9.8
Fnormal= 135*9.8 -119*sin19.3
=1362.33N
Ff=1362.33*u
x components
Fnet= Fappx-Ff
135*a=119cos19.3 - 1362.33
0=119Cos19.3 - 1362.33 (because constant velocity, so acceleration= 0)
U=119Cos19.3/1362.33
=0.0824

I am in grade 12 and I understand tht grade 12 and grade 11 methods are different, but please tell me what i did wrong and why i am not getting the right answer. THank you

You are on the right track i had my teacher explain it to me and the answer is actually 0.0874
 
  • #7
cad8 said:
HI i don't really get how u get u=112.3/135
do you use the component method?
here are my calculations...please tell me if they are right
y components
Fnet=Tensiony +Fnormal - Forcegravity
0 =119*sin19.3 + Fnormal -135*9.8
Fnormal= 135*9.8 -119*sin19.3
=1362.33Nyou made a simple math error here that carries through the rest of the problem
Ff=1362.33*u
x components
Fnet= Fappx-Ff
135*a=119cos19.3 - 1362.33
0=119Cos19.3 - 1362.33 (because constant velocity, so acceleration= 0)
U=119Cos19.3/1362.33
=0.0824

I am in grade 12 and I understand tht grade 12 and grade 11 methods are different, but please tell me what i did wrong and why i am not getting the right answer. THank you
see note above on math error; otherwise your method is very good.
 
  • #8
thanks guys...appreciate your help
 

1. What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a unitless value that represents the amount of resistance between two surfaces when one surface moves over the other. It is a measure of how difficult it is to move an object across a surface.

2. How do you find the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be found by dividing the force required to move an object across a surface by the weight of the object. This is known as the frictional force and is typically measured using a device called a friction meter.

3. What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by several factors, including the type and roughness of the surfaces in contact, the weight and shape of the object, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants on the surfaces.

4. Why is it important to know the coefficient of friction?

Knowing the coefficient of friction is important in many fields, including engineering, physics, and materials science. It can help determine the performance and efficiency of machinery, the stability of structures, and the safety of surfaces for walking or driving.

5. How can the coefficient of friction be reduced?

The coefficient of friction can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, on the surfaces in contact. Additionally, using materials with lower coefficients of friction, such as Teflon or nylon, can also help reduce friction. Keeping surfaces clean and smooth can also help reduce the coefficient of friction.

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