(a) The free body diagram consists of perpendicular and parallel component of the elephant's weight, the force of friction and applied force.
(b) The coefficient of friction between the elephant and the ramp is 0.453 (Option B)
How to calculate the coefficient of friction?
The coefficient of friction between the elephant and the ramp is calculated as follows;
F(net) = ma
F - mgsinθ - μmgcosθ = ma
where;
- F is the applied force
- m is the mass of the elephant
- a is the acceleration of the elephant
- μ is the coefficient of friction
- g is acceleration due to gravity
when the elephant moves at a constant speed, the acceleration, a = 0
F - mgsinθ - μmgcosθ = 0
μmgcosθ = F - mgsinθ
μ = (F - mgsinθ ) / (mgcosθ)
μ = (8500 - 1400 x 9.8 x sin(10) ) / (1400 x 9.8 x cos 10)
μ = 0.453