How to find work done by friction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by friction as a ball rolls down a ramp, specifically using the concept of non-conservative forces. The user inquires about determining the work done by friction without knowing the coefficient of friction, emphasizing that the energy lost can be attributed to friction. Key equations mentioned include WNon-conservative force = Change in Energy and Uk = Ffriction / Normal. The mass of the ball is specified as 0.0083 kg, which is crucial for calculations.

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Homework Statement


"In more than one way, find the loss of energy of the ball as it rolls down the ramp."

If for one method, I use WNon-conservative force = Change in Energy, would the work be by kinetic friction?

If it is, then how would I find the work done by friction (which is the NCF) if I only have the following information:
http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g349/Physics_/Energy.jpg
Mass of ball = 0.0083 kg


Homework Equations


Uk = Ffriction/ Normal
WNCF = Change in energy
N = mg

The Attempt at a Solution


This is where I got stuck - I tried to find Ffriction but I don't have Uk.
 
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you don't need to know the coefficient of friction. you just need to know how much work is done by the friction.

If you calculate the energy on top of the ramp and at the bottom, you will realize that some of the energy is gone. Where did it go to?
 
kudoushinichi88 said:
you don't need to know the coefficient of friction. you just need to know how much work is done by the friction.

If you calculate the energy on top of the ramp and at the bottom, you will realize that some of the energy is gone. Where did it go to?

But if Wfriction = Ffriction (x) and I don't know the force of friction, how do I find it's work?

And it goes to friction, doesn't it? :O
 

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