Lab - Friction and Forces on an Incline

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the coefficient of sliding friction using the average force of sliding friction. The equation used to calculate the coefficient was discussed and there was confusion on whether or not it could be used since the average force is not an angle. The correct formula to use was determined to be μk = Ff/Fn and the calculation process was discussed. The conversation ends with the person thanking for the help and understanding the process.
  • #1
soccergirl14
11
0
Okay, so I am writing a lab but I am quite stuck on one question.

Using the average force of sliding friction from the data, calculate the coefficient of sliding friction.
Average force of sliding friction: 0.32N

The equation I used to calculate other static/sliding coefficients was:
(FgSinX)/(FgCosX)
And X is the value of an angle.

I am confused because I don't know if I can use this formula to calculate the coefficient because the average force of sliding friction is not an angle.

If I use the average force of sliding friction as an angle I get:
(9.8xSin0.32)/(9.8xcos0.32) = 0.006
This does not seem right, anyone have any ideas?
please and thanks.
 
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  • #2
soccergirl14 said:
Okay, so I am writing a lab but I am quite stuck on one question.

Using the average force of sliding friction from the data, calculate the coefficient of sliding friction.
Average force of sliding friction: 0.32N

The equation I used to calculate other static/sliding coefficients was:
(FgSinX)/(FgCosX)
And X is the value of an angle.

I am confused because I don't know if I can use this formula to calculate the coefficient because the average force of sliding friction is not an angle.

If I use the average force of sliding friction as an angle I get:
(9.8xSin0.32)/(9.8xcos0.32) = 0.006
This does not seem right, anyone have any ideas?
please and thanks.

Don't you want to look to the definition of μk?

μk = Ff/Fn

If you have determined Ff, then aren't you just interested in dividing by the Fn ?
 
  • #3
Okay, thank you, I think I understand.
What I tried was:
(0.32N)/(9.8cosX)
Would that make sense?
 
  • #4
soccergirl14 said:
Okay, thank you, I think I understand.
What I tried was:
(0.32N)/(9.8cosX)
Would that make sense?

Not quite.

The normal force is given by cosθ * weight, but there is also the component of gravity down the incline of sinθ * weight. If the force you are measuring pushing up the ramp is .32N then isn't that the result of the relationship that

.32 N = μ*m*g*cosθ + m*g*sinθ

If .32N is measured pushing down the ramp then

.32N = μ*m*g*cosθ - m*g*sinθ
 
  • #5
Okay I get it!
thank you so much for the help!
 

1. What is friction and how does it affect objects on an incline?

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object. On an incline, friction acts in the direction opposite to the object's motion, making it harder for the object to move up or down the incline.

2. How do you calculate the force of friction on an object on an incline?

The force of friction can be calculated using the formula F = μN, where F is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force.

3. What factors affect the force of friction on an incline?

The force of friction on an incline is affected by the coefficient of friction, the normal force, and the angle of the incline.

4. How does the angle of the incline affect the force of friction?

As the angle of the incline increases, the force of friction also increases. This is because the steeper the incline, the more the object's weight is acting in the direction of motion, increasing the normal force and, therefore, the force of friction.

5. How can the force of friction be reduced on an incline?

The force of friction can be reduced by decreasing the coefficient of friction, reducing the weight of the object, or decreasing the angle of the incline.

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