What is the coefficient of friction?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the coefficient of friction for an object on a 30-degree incline with a weight of 6.9N and an applied force of 3.13N. Participants highlight that without additional information, such as the direction of the applied force or whether the object is moving, determining the coefficient is not feasible. The formula for the coefficient of friction is provided, but it requires knowing the frictional force and normal force. Observations indicate that the object is on a high-friction surface and is on the verge of moving. The possibility of a negative coefficient is mentioned, attributed to inaccuracies in the experimental setup.
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An object on a 30 degree inclined surface with force applied up the ramp,
weight of object = 6.9N,
applied force on object = 3.13N

My answer was -0.05, but I'm not sure if this is right so I want to make sure with someone's help

Thanks
 
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I'm not sure either. Is there a complete question here?

What's the complete statement of the problem?
 
yes the information is complete, I had to take it from a table with info in it so there's no complete statement, and btw there's no acceleration
 
So, these are observed data?

There's no way to know the coefficient of friction, without more information.

You can determine the frictional force -- perhaps -- but not the coefficient .
 
Ive done it for every other question...but I am in grade 11 and our formula for the coefficient of friction is μ=Ff/Fn

If you don't think there's enough info, could you do just the friction? Thanks
 
That's IF either of the following is true as well as the direction of the applied force is known.

1. The object is moving at a constant speed. (kinetic friction)

2. The object is stationary, but just on the verge of moving. (static friction.)
 
1. yes
2. yes

Im only in gr 11 physics so it won't be very complicated
 
The object is on a high friction surface (sand paper) and is just on the verge of moving at a constant velocity
 
Negative coefficients of friction do not conserve energy. If you want more help you should post more work.

edit: forgot to hit "post" and didn't see previous help
 
  • #10
I got negative because since this was a lab, we tried to make the slope 30 degrees but probably wasnt
Thats why my teach says we may get a negative answer
 
  • #11
So could anyone work out either the coefficient of friction or just friction?
 
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