Friction Force and Conservation of Energy

A set of flashcards covering the key concepts of friction, conservation of energy, and related mechanical principles.

What does the friction force do?

It opposes relative motion between surfaces in contact.

What are the two types of friction?

Static Friction and Kinetic Friction.

What equation defines the maximum static friction, fs max?

fs max = μs N, where μs is the coefficient of static friction and N is the normal force.

How does kinetic friction relate to static friction?

Kinetic friction occurs once an object starts moving and is generally lower than static friction.

What is the Work-Energy Theorem?

The net work on a system equals the change in kinetic energy.

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy (PEg)?

PEg = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

How is the final speed of a roller coaster calculated from potential energy?

Using the equation v = sqrt(2gh) where g is gravitational acceleration and h is height.

What does conservation of mechanical energy state?

The net work done equals the change in kinetic energy, considering only conservative forces.

What is the definition of power (P)?

Power is the rate at which work is done, calculated as P = w/t.

What happens to energy in a system with nonconservative forces?

Energy can be lost as thermal energy, for example through friction.

Define basal metabolic rate (BMR).

The total energy conversion rate of a person at rest.

How does one calculate the time required to burn extra calories from bicycling?

Time = Energy / Power, where Energy is in kJ and Power is in watts.