Changes in energy w/ coefficient of friction

In summary, the coefficient of friction is a dimensionless quantity that measures the resistance between two surfaces in contact. It ranges from 0 to 1 and affects changes in energy by determining the work needed to overcome frictional forces. It can impact the speed of an object by causing it to slow down and decrease in kinetic energy. The coefficient of friction can be changed by altering surface properties or using a lubricant. The angle of a surface also affects the coefficient of friction by changing the normal force and resulting in less resistance to motion. In terms of energy conservation, the coefficient of friction converts some of an object's kinetic energy into thermal energy, meaning that the total energy of a system may decrease in the presence of friction.
  • #1
chrisPHYSICS
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EDIT: Never mind, I figured it out, please ignore this or mods delete it.
 
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  • #2
Work done against friction is negative. So your equation should be

1/2mv^2=mgh - W
 

FAQ: Changes in energy w/ coefficient of friction

What is the coefficient of friction and how does it affect changes in energy?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of the resistance between two surfaces in contact. It is a dimensionless quantity that ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 representing no friction and 1 representing maximum friction. The coefficient of friction affects changes in energy by determining the amount of work done to overcome frictional forces.

How does the coefficient of friction impact the speed of an object?

The coefficient of friction can impact the speed of an object by causing it to slow down due to the force of friction acting against its motion. This force of friction can also cause a decrease in the object's kinetic energy, resulting in a decrease in speed.

Can the coefficient of friction be changed?

Yes, the coefficient of friction can be changed by altering the properties of the surfaces in contact or by introducing a lubricant between the surfaces. For example, rougher surfaces will have a higher coefficient of friction, while smoother surfaces will have a lower coefficient of friction.

How does the angle of a surface affect the coefficient of friction?

The angle of a surface can affect the coefficient of friction by changing the normal force acting between the two surfaces in contact. As the angle increases, the normal force decreases, resulting in a decrease in the coefficient of friction and less resistance to motion.

What is the relationship between the coefficient of friction and energy conservation?

The coefficient of friction plays a role in energy conservation by converting some of the kinetic energy of an object into thermal energy due to frictional forces. This means that the total energy of a system may decrease when there is friction present, as some of the energy is lost in the form of heat.

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