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A student is attempting to move a 30-kg mini-fridge into her dorm room. During a moment of inattention, the mini-fridge slides down a 35-degree incline at constant speed when she applies a force of 25 N acting up and parallel to the incline. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the fridge and the surface of the incline?

(a) 0.50
(b) 0.45
(c) 0.60
(d) 0.35

User Anil Shah
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the mini-fridge and the surface of the incline, you need to calculate the force of kinetic friction and the normal force. The coefficient of kinetic friction is the ratio of the force of kinetic friction to the normal force.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the mini-fridge and the surface of the incline, we first need to find the force of kinetic friction. Since the mini-fridge is moving at constant speed, the force of kinetic friction must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the applied force. Therefore, the force of kinetic friction is 25 N, acting down the incline.

Next, we can find the normal force, which is equal to the component of weight perpendicular to the incline. The weight of the mini-fridge is the gravitational force acting on it, which is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2). Therefore, the weight of the mini-fridge is 294 N. The component of weight perpendicular to the incline is given by the equation: perpendicular weight = weight * cos(angle of incline). In this case, the perpendicular weight is 294 N * cos(35°).

Finally, we can calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction using the equation: coefficient of kinetic friction = force of kinetic friction / normal force. Plugging in the values, we have: coefficient of kinetic friction = 25 N / (294 N * cos(35°)).

User Lyn
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