- #1
Cbeppe
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Homework Statement
The task was to find the kinetic friction of a puck that is shot from an elastic string. The puck was sliding on a cardboard plane. To do this, I was advised find the work done on the puck, and have therefore collected the following data:
- Distance Traveled
- Force the string in Newtons (Found by conecting a Newton meter to the string and pulling)
- Work Done in Joules
- Weight of the puck
- I was also advised to find the angle of the plane at which the puck started sliding.
Homework Equations
Ep=1/2kx2
The Attempt at a Solution
First, I had to find the potential energy stored in the spring by using the formula:
E = ½kx2 where x is equal to the distance traveled by the puck. I found the spring constant through this equation:
k = ma/x where m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. This can be simplified to k=F/x, where F is force because F=ma. With this formula, I found k by using the force of the string as described above. X was explained to me as the distance traveled by the puck, and is therefore a part of my collected data.
Through these steps, I found the potential elastic energy in the system.
However, I do not know what to do from here. How do I use the information I have gathered to determine the friction excerted on the puck?
I'm very reluctant to ask for a full solution, since I want to learn this. I have spent the best part of the evening twisting my brains about this, and posting here is only a last resort. If anyone could give me a nudge in the right direction, it would be very appreciated.
This is my first time posting here, so if I missed anything, or you need more details, please ask.
Thanks a lot.