N=NormalComeback City said:Is "N" representing normal force? If so, you cannot say it is equal to "W" (which I believe is Work(?)). Simple dimensional analysis doesn't allow this.
My mistake. I thought W was representing Work in your equation.MagnificentLiver said:N=Normal
W= Weight
U= Work
We have the weight of the box (W) pushing down on the surface and the normal reaction for pushing up (N) . Will assume up is positive.
ΣFy=0
N-W=0
N=W
W=mg
I believe this is a lab, not an abstract problem. Complications need to be considered, especially since the experimenters may have taken insufficient note of exactly what happened.Comeback City said:don't think the author of this problem
That's a major assumption.MagnificentLiver said:If we assume the bob came to rest as it hit the box
I agree it is a major assumption, but without actually seeing the lab we are unsure of the complete reaction between the two objects. I was just trying to use a broad approach to show how μ would be found if the pendulum reacted in that situation.haruspex said:I believe this is a lab, not an abstract problem. Complications need to be considered, especially since the experimenters may have taken insufficient note of exactly what happened.
That's a major assumption.
How about considering the various extremes and getting the range of possible coefficients?
Good point. Your idea of a contraption preventing further collisions was a good one in that case.haruspex said:I believe this is a lab, not an abstract problem. Complications need to be considered, especially since the experimenters may have taken insufficient note of exactly what happened.