Help With Forces: Find Friction Coefficient

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To find the coefficient of friction between the sled and the sidewalk, use the formula for frictional force (Ff), which is the product of the coefficient of friction (μ) and the normal force (Fn). In this case, the sled is being pulled at a constant speed, indicating that the applied force (Fa) equals the frictional force (Ff). Given that the applied force is 18N and the weight of the sled (which equals the normal force on a horizontal surface) is 52N, the equation can be set up as Ff = μ * Fn. Rearranging this gives μ = Ff / Fn, leading to μ = 18N / 52N, which simplifies to approximately 0.346. Understanding these relationships is essential for solving the problem effectively.
Confuzzlement
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I missed one day of school and fell behind entirely.

I understand that W=mass x gravity. That's basicly it.

In the problem..

A horizontal force of 18N is necessary to pull a 52 N sled across a cement sidewalk at a constant speed. What is the coefficient of the sliding friction between the sidewalk and the metal runners of the sled.

W=52...Fapplied is 18.

How do I find the coefficient of friction?





Fn
^
|
____________
Ff <--- |....| ---> Fa
---------------
|
v
Fw​
 
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Do you know how Fn and the coefficient of friction are connected to Ff?
Do you know how Fa relates to Ff. With both of those pieces of information you should be able to solve the problem.
 
Confuzzlement said:
How do I find the coefficient of friction?
Fn
^
|
____________
Ff <--- |....| ---> Fa
---------------
|
v
Fw​
Formulas can be found here: http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/Friction.html
 
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}...
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