How to calculate kinetic friction coefficient given velocity and height?

Question

The problem I am dealing with is about an object sliding down a ramp. I am only given the height of the top of the ramp to the floor, initial and final velocity, and weight of the object (in lbs). How do I calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction with only this information?

user256872 · Accepted Answer

Conservation of energy (or work-kinetic energy theorem). You know the work by kinetic friction is $W=-mu_k N d$ where $N$ is the normal force (which you must find using the dimensions of the incline) and $d$ is the length of the incline.
You're likely given enough information to find the angle the incline makes with the horizontal (which is required to find $N$).

How to calculate kinetic friction coefficient given velocity and height?

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