Solve Physics Problem: Coefficient of Friction on Steep Incline with Supertruck

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a supertruck ascending a steep incline of 65 degrees with a specified acceleration and applied force. Participants are tasked with determining the coefficient of friction based on the given parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various methods to calculate the coefficient of friction, including resolving forces acting on the truck and comparing net accelerations. There are repeated suggestions to find the magnitude of gravitational force down the slope and to derive net forces from the applied force and friction.

Discussion Status

Multiple approaches to the problem have been presented, with participants sharing their calculations and results. Some participants have confirmed similar methods, while others have proposed slightly different values for the coefficient of friction, indicating ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem as posed, with specific values for mass, incline angle, and applied force. There is a focus on ensuring that assumptions regarding forces and acceleration are clearly articulated.

Charlie Brown
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A supertruck is fighting its way up an steep 65 degree incline with an acceleration of 3.3 m/s^2. If the truck has a mass=1.00 tonne and an engine applied force of 1.55 X 10^4 Newtons, find the co-efficient of friction.

1 tonne = 1000 kg

**I got 0.80 as my answer...can anyone confirm this?
 
Last edited:
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Find the magnitude of gravity down the slope
Find the ideal acceleration of the truck by dividing force and mass.
Find a net force from the above two forces.
Find a net acceleration from this net force. (Divide by mass)
Compare this net acceleration to the acceleration provided.
Find the friction force by subtracting the two forces.
Divide by the normal force to get coefficient of friction.
Normal force is mgcos(\vartheta)
 
whozum said:
Find the magnitude of gravity down the slope
Find the ideal acceleration of the truck by dividing force and mass.
Find a net force from the above two forces.
Find a net acceleration from this net force. (Divide by mass)
Compare this net acceleration to the acceleration provided.
Find the friction force by subtracting the two forces.
Divide by the normal force to get coefficient of friction.
Normal force is mgcos(\vartheta)

Thank you...is 0.801 the answer?
 
Resultant force = ma

let friction = F.

so, resolving forces parallel to the slope, using g=9.81N/kg:
F = ma
1.55*10^4 - F - 1000gcos65 = 1000*3.3
F= 8054 N

F=uR, where u = coefficient of friction
u = F/R
u = 8054/(1000*9.81)
u = 0.82
 
Last edited:

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