Calculating Acceleration on an Inclined Ramp with Kinetic Friction

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem where a person is standing at the bottom of a ramp and needs to push a package up the ramp. The given information includes the length of the ramp, its angle of incline, and the coefficient of kinetic friction. Two questions are asked about the speed of the package at the top of the ramp and if the package slides back down. A free body diagram is drawn and equations are set up to solve for the acceleration. The conversation ends with a clarification about the forces acting on the package and how to express friction in terms of the normal force.
  • #1
ccarlson_07
2
0
I am very confused about this problem. The given info is:
You are standing at the bottom of an 8 m long ramp that is incline 37 degrees to above the horizontal. You grab a package from a conveyer belt and push it up the ramp. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.30
The questions:
1. What speed do you need to give the package at the bottom of the ramp so it has zero speed at the top?
2. If the person does not grab the package at the top of the ramp and it slides back down what speed will it return to you?

So far I have drawn a free body diagram w/ x-axis parallel to the incline.
I have sum(F(x))=F-mgsin37-F(f)=ma
sum(F(y))=N-mgcos37=ma
I get F=-1.93*m+1.3*N
How do I solve for acceleration? Where do I go from here?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
ccarlson_07 said:
I have sum(F(x))=F-mgsin37-F(f)=ma
What's "F"? There are only two forces acting on the package parallel to the ramp. Hint: Express friction in terms of the normal force.
 
  • #3
Ah ha! I see, it makes a lot more sense now! Thanks!
 

FAQ: Calculating Acceleration on an Inclined Ramp with Kinetic Friction

What is kinetic friction?

Kinetic friction is the force that resists the motion of an object as it slides or moves across a surface.

How is kinetic friction different from static friction?

Kinetic friction occurs when an object is already in motion, while static friction occurs when an object is at rest and attempting to move.

What factors affect the amount of kinetic friction?

The amount of kinetic friction depends on the types of materials in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, and the force pressing the surfaces together.

How can kinetic friction be calculated?

Kinetic friction can be calculated using the equation Fk = μkN, where Fk is the force of kinetic friction, μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction, and N is the normal force between the two surfaces.

How can kinetic friction be reduced?

Kinetic friction can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, between the two surfaces. Reducing the roughness of the surfaces and decreasing the force pressing them together can also help to reduce kinetic friction.

Back
Top