Why Is My Coefficient of Friction Negative?

AI Thread Summary
A student conducted a lab on the coefficient of friction for an object on an incline and found a negative value for kinetic friction. Despite verifying calculations, the student is uncertain about the implications of a negative coefficient. Forum members suggest that a negative coefficient is not possible and inquire if the ramp was positioned incorrectly, potentially placing the angle in the second quadrant. The discussion highlights the importance of proper setup and calculation in experiments involving friction. Understanding the correct orientation of the incline is crucial for accurate results.
Below
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I just did a lab at school dealing with coefficient of friction for an object on an incline. After all my calculations done, my answer is negative for a cart sliding down, dealing with kinetic friction.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have checked all my calculations and have found nothing wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well how can we help unless you show us your calcs??
 
My question is whether the coefficient of friction can be negative?
 
Did you turn the ramp around so the angle was in the 2nd quadrant?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Coefficient of Friction question for a cart going down a wooden ramp
Replies
18
Views
3K
Does coefficient of kinetic friction depend on speed?
Replies
16
Views
5K
Finding the work done by a block
Replies
4
Views
3K
What's the coefficient of kinetic friction?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Physics homework help needed -- A mass sliding down a ramp with friction
Replies
14
Views
3K
Why do I keep getting friction coefficient as a negative?
Replies
17
Views
3K
How to find the coefficient of kinetic friction
Replies
4
Views
3K
Push/Pull Force of wheeled cart on an incline
Replies
7
Views
4K
Friction - problem with one of the equilibrium equations
Replies
13
Views
2K
Coefficient of friction between puck and ice
Replies
2
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top