Kinetic friction on smooth then rough surface

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the coefficient of friction for a 2.0 kg mass subjected to a constant horizontal force of 6 N over a distance of 30 m, with the first 15 m being frictionless and the second 15 m having friction. The correct coefficient of friction is determined to be 0.6, contrary to an initial incorrect assumption of 0.3. The calculations utilize Newton's second law (F = ma) and the work-kinetic energy theorem, leading to the conclusion that the force of friction must equal 6 N to achieve deceleration to rest.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with the work-kinetic energy theorem
  • Knowledge of calculating frictional forces (F_friction = mu * m * g)
  • Basic kinematic equations for motion analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the work-kinetic energy theorem in various scenarios
  • Explore advanced friction concepts, including static vs. kinetic friction
  • Learn about the effects of different surface materials on friction coefficients
  • Investigate real-world applications of friction in engineering and physics problems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction and motion dynamics.

rasen58
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Homework Statement


Given a 2.0 kg mass at rest on a horizontal surface at point zero. For 30.0 m, a constant horizontal force of 6 N is applied to the mass.

For the first 15 m, the surface is frictionless. For the second 15 m, there is friction between the surface and the mass.

The 6 N force continues but the mass slows to rest at the end of the 30 m. The coefficient of friction between the surface and the mass is _____.

Homework Equations


F = ma
Work-kinetic energy theorem
F_friction = mu * m * g

The Attempt at a Solution

To solve this, I found the velocity at 15 m by first using F=ma to find that the acceleration for the first 15 m is 3 m/s^2.

Then I used a kinematic equation to find that the velocity at 15 m is sqrt(90).
So then, for the second 15 m, I drew a force diagram and saw that for the mass to decelerate to 0 in the exact same distance as it took to accelerate, then the net force must be the same magnitude but in the reverse direction to slow it down.

So I thought that since it was previously just 6 N to the right, I thought the force of friction would have to be 12 N to the left so that the net force is 6 N to the left.
Force of friction = coeff_fric * m * g

So that means that 12 = coeff_fric * m * g

Solving for coeff_fric, I got 0.6.

But that is apparently wrong since it's supposed to be 0.3.
But the only way to get 0.3 is if Force of friction = 6 N to the left. But I don't see why it should be 6 N instead of 12 N to the left.
 
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total force on the object in rough surface is, [(coffee-of friction)mg-F] coffee of friction = u
by work energy theorem, kinetic energy is lost in doing work against friction,
so F.x=1/2mv^2
F is = [(coffee-of friction)mg-F]
putting values we get
(20u-6)*15=1/2*90*2 ------>15 meters is length of rough surface

20u=12
u=.6
[[[[[[[[correct answer is .6]]]]]]]
if u=.3 then both forces will balance each other so there will be no deceleration
and body will continue
.3 is WRONG answer
 
@Sagar Singh coffee of friction = coefficient of friction? :wink:

I agree with 0.6
 
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NascentOxygen said:
@Sagar Singh coffee of friction = coefficient of friction? :wink:

I agree with 0.6
haha typing mistake, coefficient of friction
i want to write, (coeff) but it auto corrected to (coffee) to coffee
 
Thank you everyone! Just wanted to confirm.
 

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