Physics: Friction Coefficient Calculation

  • Thread starter Thread starter oldunion
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction Physics
AI Thread Summary
To calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction for Sam's descent on a slope, the net force acting parallel to the slope must be determined using the final velocity and the slope's angle. The gravitational force acting parallel to the slope and the thrust from the jet skis are key components in this calculation. The procedure involves using conservation of energy to establish a relationship between kinetic energy and net force, followed by setting up force balance equations. Participants in the discussion emphasize the importance of showing work and using symbolic equations for clarity. The conversation highlights common mistakes in calculations and the need for detailed problem-solving steps.
oldunion
Messages
182
Reaction score
0
Sam, whose mass is 66.0kg, takes off down a 55.0m high, 11.0 degree slope on his jet-powered skis. The skis have a thrust of 190N. Sam's speed at the bottom is 38.0 38m/s.

What is the coefficient of kinetic friction on his skees.

I don't understand why they put a slope or velocity in. So what would the base equation be for solving this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
oldunion said:
Sam, whose mass is 66.0kg, takes off down a 55.0m high, 11.0 degree slope on his jet-powered skis. The skis have a thrust of 190N. Sam's speed at the bottom is 38.0 38m/s.

What is the coefficient of kinetic friction on his skees.

I don't understand why they put a slope or velocity in. So what would the base equation be for solving this.
::::::::::#1 & #2 below answer your specific questions. #3 & #4 provide solution guidance & hints.
1) You are given the final velocity so you can determine the component of NET FORCE acting on Sam PARALLEL to ski slope.

2) You are given the slope so you can determine the component of GRAVITATIONAL FORCE acting on Sam PARALLEL to the ski slope.

3) There are 3 Forces acting on Sam in this problem, each with a component Parallel to and Normal to the Ski Slope (in the following, K is the Kinetic Friction Coefficient):
:::: a) Gravity:
:::::::::: Component Parallel To Slope={mgSin(11 deg)}
:::::::::: Component Normal To Slope={-mgCos(11 deg)}
:::: b) Jet Ski Thrust:
:::::::::: Component Parallel To Slope={190 N}
:::::::::: Component Normal To Slope={0}
:::: c) Ski Slope Surface
:::::::::: Component Parallel To Slope={-KmgCos(11 deg)} <----- Kinetic Friction
:::::::::: Component Normal To Slope={mgCos(11 deg)}

4) Procedure:
:::: a) Determine NET FORCE acting on Sam PARALLEL to Slope using Conservation of Energy:
:::::::::: {Total Kinetic Energy} = {NET FORCE || to Slope}*{Distance Along Ski Slope}
:::::::::: (1/2)mv^2 = {NET FORCE || to Slope}*{(55 m)/Sin(11 deg)}
:::::::::: Solve for {NET FORCE || to Slope}
:::: b) Establish Force Balance Equations and SOLVE for Kinetic Friction Coefficient K:
:::::::::: {NET FORCE || to Slope} = {Sum of All PARALLEL Force Components}
:::::::::: 0 = {Sum of All NORMAL Force Components}


~~
 
Last edited:
0.038
0.3
0.4
.1
.01
.2
.05

all incorrect answers. not sure what I am doing wrong
 
oldunion said:
0.038
0.3
0.4
.1
.01
.2
.05

all incorrect answers. not sure what I am doing wrong

You need to show your work.
Please indicate the exact (symbolic) equations you're using, and then show your substitutions.


~~
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top