Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions

Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 27:

Ethan recently found out that the sledding hill on the west side of Lake Bluebird is more of a shredding hill than a sledding hill. He boarded his 60-inch sled and descended the steepest section near the tall trees. Before his ride ended at the location of a tree stump buried a few inches below the snow, he was accelerating at 2.5 m/s/s down the 19° incline. Determine the coefficient of friction between the sled and the snow. (Suggestion: Begin with a free body diagram.)

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 1.25 kg, µ = 0.459, vo = 0.0 m/s,  Ø = 41.6º, vf = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

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Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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