To determine the kinetic friction acting on the sled, we can break down the tension force into its horizontal and vertical components. Then we can analyze the forces acting on the sled and use Newton's second law to find the net force and eventually calculate the kinetic friction.
Resolve the tension force: The horizontal component (Fx) of the tension force can be calculated as Fx = F * cos(θ), where F is the tension force (15 N) and θ is the angle above horizontal (30 degrees). Fx = 15 N * cos(30°) = 15 N * √3/2 ≈ 12.99 N
Determine the net force: The net force acting on the sled is the vector sum of all forces. In this case, it is the horizontal component of the tension force (Fx) since there is no vertical acceleration. Net force (Fnet) = Fx = 12.99 N
Apply Newton's second law: Newton's second law states that Fnet = m * a, where Fnet is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. In this case, the sled is moving with a constant velocity, which means there is no acceleration (a = 0). Thus, Fnet = m * a becomes 0 = m * 0, indicating that the net force is zero.
Calculate the kinetic friction: Since the net force is zero, the frictional force (Ffriction) must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the horizontal component of the tension force. Ffriction = -Fx = -12.99 N The negative sign indicates that the frictional force acts in the opposite direction to the tension force.
Therefore, the kinetic friction acting on the sled is approximately 12.99 N to the right.