How can I calculate kinetic friction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction for a child sliding down a 28-degree incline. The child's speed at the bottom is half of what it would be on a frictionless slide, indicating the presence of kinetic friction. Key equations include Newton's second law and the relationship between gravitational force, normal force, and frictional force. The participants emphasize the need for clarity in the equations and diagrams used to represent the forces acting on the child.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law
  • Knowledge of forces acting on inclined planes
  • Familiarity with kinetic friction and its coefficient
  • Ability to interpret and create free-body diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the coefficient of kinetic friction
  • Learn how to analyze forces on inclined planes
  • Explore free-body diagram techniques for complex systems
  • Review applications of Newton's laws in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion on inclined surfaces.

Rick devena
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Homework Statement



A child slides down a slide with a 28 degree incline , and at the bottom her speed is precisly half what it would have been if the slide had been frictionless. Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction between the slide and the child.

Homework Equations



Newtons second law

The Attempt at a Solution



https://www.physicsforums.com/attac...6/?temp_hash=7d75ca4df687186214dd365d2dd18568[/B]
 

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I don't understand your writing ... I kinda see a diagram showing some forces, but I don't see a friction force on it, unless that's the "F" pointing down the slide.
There's something that looks like script-written "Als" ... maybe a scribbled ##\mu_s## or something ... cannot tell.
Please explain your reasoning.
 
There are several things wrong with your equations.
If mg is the gravitational force and the slope is θ, what is the normal force, and what is the downslope component of gravity?
 

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