Physics lab; deriving for μs and μk

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on deriving the coefficients of static friction (μs) and kinetic friction (μk) for a flat-bottomed object on a flat surface. The user measured the angle of sliding at 10 degrees and attempted to derive the expression for μs using the equation mgcos(theta) = μs(mgsin(theta)). The correct derivation leads to μs = tan(theta), but the user mistakenly concluded μs = cot(theta). This highlights the importance of correctly identifying the components of forces acting on the object.

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Tuccimane
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1. Physics Lab :
Homework Statement


design, run and report an experiment to calculate A) μs B) μk between a flat bottomed object and a flat surface ( include a section called "theory" in which you formally derive an expression for μs and μk )

im basically just having troubles deriving , i measured the angle in which my object has started to slide and its about 10 degrees

2. relevant equations


The Attempt at a Solution


μs :

Fun x = Sum x
0 N = Fg x + Ffs
0 N = mgcos(theta) -μsFN
0 N = mgcos(theta) - μs(mgsin(theta))
mgcos(theta)= μs(mgsin(theta))
mgcos(theta) / mgsin(theta) = μs
μs= cot(theta)

im pretty sure I am supposed to get μs= tan theta, any clue what i did wrong S:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Fgx is the sin theta component and FN the cosine component of Fg if theta is the angle that the flat surface makes with the floor.
 

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