Question

Hello! I am currently in physics, and am having some issues understanding something.

I must derive an equation of a man sliding on ice to calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction. I have my free body diagram drawn out, however i am not sure how to derive the equation from that. We have gone over how to use Newton’s second law and derive equations from there - is it the same as Newton’s second law (sum of all forces = ma), or is it a different equation to start off all together?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

For solving this problem first of all draw a diagram of man showing all the possible forces working on the man along with their directions. Consider upward force to be positive and downward force to be negative similarly right is positive and left is negative .

Then equate sum of all forces along x axis to ma

And equate sum of all forces along y axis to be zero.

From.both these equations you will get normal force and hence coefficient of kinetic friction in terms of known parameters.