Solving Mechanics Problem: Calculate Coefficient of Friction & Work Done

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction and the work done by kinetic friction for a 40 kg seal sliding down a 2m high ramp inclined at 45.0°. The seal reaches the water with a speed of 5.1 m/s. To find the coefficient of kinetic friction, users can apply Newton's second law (f=ma) and the relationship between frictional force and the normal force, considering the ramp's angle. This approach provides a structured method for solving similar mechanics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry (specifically for inclined planes)
  • Familiarity with the concepts of kinetic friction and normal force
  • Ability to perform calculations involving acceleration and forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the coefficient of kinetic friction in inclined plane scenarios
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in mechanics
  • Explore advanced problems in classical mechanics using textbooks like "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker
  • Investigate the work-energy theorem and its applications in physics problems
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Students studying physics at the graduation level, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in solving practical problems related to friction and motion.

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A 40 kg seal at an amusement park slides down a ramp into the pool below. The top of the ramp is 2m higher than the surface of the water and the ramp is inclined at an angle of 45.0° above the horizontal. The seal starts from rest and reaches the water with a speed of 5.1m/s.
(a) What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the seal and the ramp?

(b) How much work is done by kinetic friction?


Can anybody help me in solving the above problem. I am interested in getting practised in solving problems in physics at graduation level. A list of books where these type of problems are solved in all topics of physics ( Mechanics , Elctricity , Magnetism , Nuclear physics etc ) will be highly helpful to me.
 
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ok. so you have the initial velocity, final velocity and hieght. from this you can find the acceleration.

you then know that f=ma and also that f=coefficient of kinetic friction * the reaction force. so now you have acceleration, mass and you can work out the reaction force useing the 45 degree angle, so just rearange to find the coefficient of kinetic friction.

hope this is a gd starting point for you
 

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