Solving a Lab w/ Friction: Need Help!

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    Friction Lab
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coefficient of friction in a physics lab involving two masses on an incline. The user provided specific values for mass A (0.185 kg) and mass B (0.143 kg), along with the time measured from a ticker tape (1.4 s) and the incline angle (16°). The user calculated the net force using the equation ∑F = mygy + mxgsinθ, resulting in an acceleration of 0.9 m/s². However, they require guidance on calculating the friction force and the total mass involved in the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of force, mass, and acceleration
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Ability to interpret ticker tape analysis for motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate the force of friction using the formula F_friction = μN
  • Research methods for determining the total mass in a two-body system
  • Study the relationship between acceleration and net force in physics
  • Explore the impact of incline angles on friction and motion
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those working on lab experiments involving dynamics and friction, as well as educators looking for practical examples of applying Newton's laws.

fishfish
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Homework Statement



Hi, I'm new the PF and I was wondering if someone could help me with my lab.

physicsab-1.jpg


This was the basic set up of our lab, with one mass being pulled by another mass up an incline. The ramp was placed on a desk while mass B was left to fall towards the ground. What we were supposed to do was dertermine the coefficient of friction of the material ( coloured red ) under mass A for each different run that we did with different materials. I don't really know where to start on this lab, other than finding the acceleration of the system, but what I'm really troubled with is having to find the force of friction on the incline...

For the first run...

mass of block A= 0.185 kg
mass of block B = 0.143 kg
dots on tickertape= 84 dots
time ( estimated from tickertape) = 1.4s

Homework Equations



∑F= Fgy _ Fgx(paralell)
= mygy + mxgsinθ

The Attempt at a Solution



∑F= mygy + mxgsinθ
= (0.143kg)(9.8m/s2) + (0.185kg)(-9.8sin16°)
= 0.9 m/s2



And then after this I don't know where to go...
 
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fishy welcome to pf!

hi fishfish! fishy welcome to pf! :smile:
fishfish said:
∑F= mygy + mxgsinθ
= (0.143kg)(9.8m/s2) + (0.185kg)(-9.8sin16°)
= 0.9 m/s2

(i assume you're intending to use F = ma to find the acceleration)

you haven't included the formula for the friction force, nor the total mass :wink:
 

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