Kinetic Friction: Seal Slides Down 30° Ramp to Pool

In summary, a 25.0 kg seal at an amusement park slides down a ramp into the pool below. The top of the ramp is 1.80 m higher than the surface of the water and the ramp is inclined at an angle of 30.0° above the horizontal. The seal starts from rest and reaches the water with a speed of 4.90 m/s. To solve for the coefficient of friction, a force diagram must be drawn and all forces and their magnitudes must be identified. By balancing the Fx and Fy forces, the final velocity without any friction can be calculated to be 5.52m/s. With a difference in speed of 0.62m/s, the force of friction
  • #1
stealth2k4
2
0
A 25.0 kg seal at an amusement park slides down a ramp into the pool below. The top of the ramp is 1.80 m higher than the surface of the water and the ramp is inclined at an angle of 30.0° above the horizontal. The seal starts from rest and reaches the water with a speed of 4.90 m/s.
 
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  • #2
Im assuming you want to solve for the coefficient of friction. Draw a force diagram and identify all your forces and their magnitudes. From there, balance your Fx and Fy forces, and calculate what the final velocity would be without any friction.
(hint: Final velocity with no friction = 5.52m/s)

From there you know the difference in speed was 0.62m/s, so the force of friction accelerated you 0.62m/s in the opposite direction over the same distance. Using some kinematic equations,try find out the force of friction. Once you have that, divide by the normal force on the seal to get the friction coefficient.
 
  • #3
Need HElp

The orbit of Halley's Comet around the Sun is a long thin ellipse. At its aphelion (point farthest from the Sun), the comet is 5.6 10^12 m from the Sun and moves with a speed of 13.0 km/s. What is the comet's speed at its perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) where its distance from the Sun is 8.4 10^10 m?
 
  • #4
Sabrina,

You have posted on some one elses thread. Make sure you start a new thread.
 

FAQ: Kinetic Friction: Seal Slides Down 30° Ramp to Pool

What is kinetic friction?

Kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object as it slides or moves over a surface. It is caused by microscopic irregularities between the object and the surface it is moving on.

How is kinetic friction different from static friction?

Kinetic friction occurs when an object is already in motion, whereas static friction occurs when an object is at rest and trying to be moved. Static friction is typically greater than kinetic friction.

How does the angle of the ramp affect the kinetic friction of the seal sliding down to the pool?

The angle of the ramp affects the amount of kinetic friction because it changes the normal force acting on the seal. As the angle increases, the normal force decreases, resulting in less kinetic friction.

Is the kinetic friction of the seal sliding down the ramp affected by its weight?

Yes, the weight of the seal affects the normal force and therefore the amount of kinetic friction. The greater the weight, the greater the normal force and the greater the kinetic friction.

How does the surface of the ramp and pool affect the kinetic friction of the seal sliding down?

The surface of the ramp and pool can affect the kinetic friction by altering the roughness or smoothness of the surface. Rougher surfaces will result in greater kinetic friction, while smoother surfaces will result in less kinetic friction.

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