Finding the coefficient of static friction

In summary, the problem involves a hot wheel on a linear track being lifted at one end until the cart starts to move. The height and distance measurements are 6.45cm and 189.5cm, respectively, and the mass of the hot wheel is 45.7g. The equations discussed include PE = mgh, KE = 1/2mv2, Wf = Ffd, and Ff = μmg. The solution involves finding the coefficient of static friction, but the question itself is strange as the wheels will roll, not slide. The initial resistance to motion comes from friction in the axles and possibly rolling resistance in the wheels. However, if we ignore these factors and treat the cart as a wheel
  • #1
rm_girl
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0

Homework Statement


So a hot wheel was put on a linear track, and one end of the track is slowly lifted until the cart starts to move. The height of the one end is measured as 6.45cm and distance (or hypotenuse) is 189.5cm
mass of hot wheel is 45.7 g


Homework Equations


PE = mgh
KE = 1/2mv2
Wf = Ffd
Ff = μmg

The Attempt at a Solution


So I was thinking of using PE = KE + Wf, but the car doesn't move, so I can't have KE in there. If that's the case, do I just set up the equation as PE = Wf ? and find the coefficient of static friction from there?
 
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  • #2
This is a very strange question. Friction between the ramp and wheels has nothing to do with it - the wheels will roll, not slide. The initial resistance to motion comes from friction in the axles and, perhaps, rolling resistance in the wheels. To calculate the coefficient of friction in the axles the ratio of the wheel radius to axle radius is needed. Rolling resistance is a property of the wheel rubber, and I'm not sure of the details of that.
If we ignore all that and treat the cart as a wheelless block, this is a statics question, so energy is irrelevant. Just consider the forces at their limits prior to movement.
 

Related to Finding the coefficient of static friction

What is the coefficient of static friction?

The coefficient of static friction is a measure of the force that must be overcome to move an object at rest on a surface. It represents the maximum frictional force that exists between two surfaces in contact before the object starts to slide.

How is the coefficient of static friction calculated?

The coefficient of static friction is calculated by dividing the maximum frictional force by the normal force between the two surfaces. This can be determined experimentally by measuring the force required to move an object at rest on a surface, or by using mathematical equations based on the properties of the materials in contact.

What factors affect the coefficient of static friction?

The coefficient of static friction is affected by the roughness of the surfaces in contact, the weight of the object, and the type of material the object is made of. It also depends on the magnitude and direction of the force applied to the object.

Why is the coefficient of static friction important?

The coefficient of static friction is important because it helps determine whether an object will stay at rest or start moving on a surface. It is also used in engineering and design to ensure the safety and stability of structures and to optimize the performance of machinery.

How can the coefficient of static friction be changed?

The coefficient of static friction can be changed by altering the surfaces in contact, such as by smoothing or roughening them, or by changing the properties of the materials involved. The amount of force applied and the angle at which it is applied can also affect the coefficient of static friction.

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