How Do You Calculate the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction on a Ramp?

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To calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction (μk) on a ramp, start by analyzing the forces acting on the box as it slides down a 30° ramp with an acceleration of 1.20 m/s². The gravitational force can be split into components, with the force parallel to the ramp being m * g * sin(θ) and the normal force being m * g * cos(θ). Using Newton's second law, the net force can be expressed as the difference between the gravitational force down the ramp and the frictional force, leading to the equation -m * g * sin(θ) + μk * m * g * cos(θ) = -m * a. Rearranging this gives μk = (g * sin(θ) - a) / (g * cos(θ)). Substitute the known values to find μk.
  • #31
-cosθ x m x a / sinθ = Uk?
 
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  • #32
wait no negative
 
  • #33
maybe?
 
  • #34
ughschool said:
-cosθ x m x a / sinθ = Uk?

No.


This is your equation

-mgsinθ + mμkgcosθ = -ma

Solve for 'a'.
 
  • #35
gsinθ + μkgcosθ = a?
 
  • #36
ughschool said:
gsinθ - μkgcosθ = a?

This is what it should be. So solve for μk now.
 
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  • #37
gsinθ-a/-gcosθ=uk?
 
  • #38
ugh wait no sorry
gsinθ-a/gcosθ=uk?
 
  • #39
ahhhhhhh is it + or -?
 
  • #40
i think its -
 
  • #41
ughschool said:
ugh wait no sorry
gsinθ-a/gcosθ=uk?

This is correct. So just substitute your values.
 
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