General Physics problem using kinematics and dynamics, application of newton's law - friction kinetic friction coefficient
A 4.5-kg block slides down an inclined plane that makes an angle of 28 degress with the horizontal. Starting from rest, the block slides a distance of 2.4m in 5.2 seconds. Find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and plane.
This is a problem from chapter 5 of Paul A. Tipler's Physics for Scientists and Engineers Chapter 5. I have the answer (odd problem, 121) and have spent at least a half hour trying to arrive there.
This problem is multistep and requires the use of (I assume) X = X_initial + V_initial * time + .5 * a * time^2
, net force = mass * acceleration , and Force_friction = coefficient * Force_normal. Sorry I do not know how to use subscripts and superscripts or greek letters with this site.
I am thinking:
Step 1: Find the normal force (force perpendicular to the plane the block is on), m*gravity*sin(28)?
Step 2: Find acceleration (down the plane), see equation above, I came up with .1775m/s/s
Step 3: Find magnitude of force of friction, the normal force perpendicular to the plane - the friction force = m * a
Step 4: Lastly, use the firctional force, and the perpendicular force to find the ceofficient of kinetic friction from the equation F_fr = coefficient * perpendicular force
I keep coming up with with friction and perpendicular forces that are both ~39N, which would lead to coefficient of 1, which is by far not the answer. If it helps anyone the correct answer is .51
But how do we get there, and is there somethign wrong with my approach or am I missing a bad calculation?
This is a problem from chapter 5 of Paul A. Tipler's Physics for Scientists and Engineers Chapter 5. I have the answer (odd problem, 121) and have spent at least a half hour trying to arrive there.
This problem is multistep and requires the use of (I assume) X = X_initial + V_initial * time + .5 * a * time^2
, net force = mass * acceleration , and Force_friction = coefficient * Force_normal. Sorry I do not know how to use subscripts and superscripts or greek letters with this site.
I am thinking:
Step 1: Find the normal force (force perpendicular to the plane the block is on), m*gravity*sin(28)?
Step 2: Find acceleration (down the plane), see equation above, I came up with .1775m/s/s
Step 3: Find magnitude of force of friction, the normal force perpendicular to the plane - the friction force = m * a
Step 4: Lastly, use the firctional force, and the perpendicular force to find the ceofficient of kinetic friction from the equation F_fr = coefficient * perpendicular force
I keep coming up with with friction and perpendicular forces that are both ~39N, which would lead to coefficient of 1, which is by far not the answer. If it helps anyone the correct answer is .51
But how do we get there, and is there somethign wrong with my approach or am I missing a bad calculation?
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