Finding the coefficient of static friction

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 2K views
rm_girl
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


So a hot wheel was put on a linear track, and one end of the track is slowly lifted until the cart starts to move. The height of the one end is measured as 6.45cm and distance (or hypotenuse) is 189.5cm
mass of hot wheel is 45.7 g


Homework Equations


PE = mgh
KE = 1/2mv2
Wf = Ffd
Ff = μmg

The Attempt at a Solution


So I was thinking of using PE = KE + Wf, but the car doesn't move, so I can't have KE in there. If that's the case, do I just set up the equation as PE = Wf ? and find the coefficient of static friction from there?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is a very strange question. Friction between the ramp and wheels has nothing to do with it - the wheels will roll, not slide. The initial resistance to motion comes from friction in the axles and, perhaps, rolling resistance in the wheels. To calculate the coefficient of friction in the axles the ratio of the wheel radius to axle radius is needed. Rolling resistance is a property of the wheel rubber, and I'm not sure of the details of that.
If we ignore all that and treat the cart as a wheelless block, this is a statics question, so energy is irrelevant. Just consider the forces at their limits prior to movement.