Question

A box slides down a 30.0° ramp with an acceleration of 1.20 m/s^2. Determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the ramp.

Answer 1

m = mass of the box

N = normal force on the box

f = kinetic frictional force on the box

a = acceleration of the box

μ = coefficient of kinetic friction

perpendicular to incline , force equation is given as

N = mg Cos30                                         eq-1

kinetic frictional force is given as

f = μ N

using eq-1

f = μ mg Cos30    

parallel to incline , force equation is given as

mg Sin30 - f = ma

mg Sin30 - μ mg Cos30  = ma

"m" cancel out

a = g Sin30 - μ g Cos30

inserting the values

1.20 = (9.8) Sin30 - (9.8) Cos30 μ

μ = 0.44