Final answer:
The coefficient of friction between the ice and the skater's metal skates is calculated using the ratio of the force of friction to the normal force (weight), resulting in a coefficient of 0.125.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking how to calculate the coefficient of friction between the ice and her metal skates. The coefficient of friction (μ) is given by the ratio of the force of friction to the normal force. In this case, the normal force is the force of gravity acting on the skater.
The formula to calculate the coefficient of friction is μ = f.k / FN, where f.k is the kinetic friction force and FN is the normal force, which in this context is the skater's weight.
The given force of friction is 35.2 N, and the force of gravity is 281.2 N. Therefore, μ = 35.2 N / 281.2 N, which simplifies to μ = 0.125.