Finding the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction Using Acceleration Data

AI Thread Summary
To find the coefficient of kinetic friction (u_k) using acceleration data, the relationship between mass, acceleration, and frictional force must be established. The experiment involved pushing a wooden block with a known mass and measuring its acceleration, both with and without an additional weight. The equation ma = (u_k)mg can be rearranged to express u_k in terms of acceleration, leading to the simplified form a = (u_k)g. By isolating u_k, it can be calculated if acceleration is known. Understanding these relationships is crucial for determining the coefficient of kinetic friction accurately.
notdoing
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Hello. I am working on a physics lab where we pushed a wooden block (weighed at 255.2 g) towards a motion detector. Through this we were able to determine its acceleration.

After five trials we repeated the experiment, but with an additional 500 g weight on top.

From this data I need to find the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Homework Equations



f = (u_k)N = (u_k)mg


The Attempt at a Solution



I know mg, but I don't know the frictional force or u_k. Only one of these have to be known, but I'm not sure how to get there using the acceleration of the block.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
since
ma = (u_k)mg

Can I just say:
a = (u_k)g ?
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Does coefficient of kinetic friction depend on speed?
Replies
16
Views
5K
Finding the work done by a block
Replies
4
Views
3K
Pushing a block against the wall of an elevator that is accelerating
Replies
42
Views
2K
Angular velocity- A toy train rolls around a horizontal track
Replies
8
Views
767
How can I determine the instant the block overcomes static friction?
2
Replies
61
Views
3K
Forces; Two blocks connected by a pulley with friction
Replies
1
Views
4K
Static Friction Between a Box and the Floor
Replies
11
Views
3K
Friction Coefficients: Determining Force Direction?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
Replies
13
Views
3K
Calculating acceleration from the coefficient of kinetic friction
Replies
48
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top