Question

A biker and her motorcycle have a weight of 2350 N [down]. Calculate the force of kinetic friction for the rubber tires and dry concrete if the motorcycle skids. Refer to Table 5.1

Answer 1

Explanations & Calculations

• If an object skids that means it experiences the maximum possible kinetic friction.
• That is given by $\small f = \mu_k R$.
• R is the net normal force act on the object [upwards] and for this case, it is simply the normal force that is equal and opposite to the total weight: 2350N.
• From the table, I believe, you can find the corresponding coefficient of kinetic friction for the materials given: rubber and concrete.
• Therefore, once you know both of them it is simply a substitution of the values in the equation mentioned above and getting the answer.