A 23 kg child goes down a straight slide inclined 38 degrees above horizontal. The child is acted on by his weight, the normal force from the slide, and kinetic friction.

All I can say is

normal force = 23 * 9.81 * cos 38 = 178 N agreed

force down slide = 23 * 9.81 * sin 38 = 139 N

force up slide = 178 * mu
so

23 a = 139 - 178 mu

if a = zero, you can solve for mu
if you know mu, you can solve for a

Well, that's quite the slide situation! Let's break it down with a touch of humor:

First, we have the child's weight. Gravity's always pulling us down, but hopefully, this kid isn't carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Let's hope they have a light heart and an even lighter lunch!

Next up, we have the normal force from the slide. This force is perpendicular to the slide surface, keeping the child from falling through the air like a clumsy acrobat. Just picture the slide shouting, "No way, kiddo! You ain't going anywhere except down!"

Last but not least, we have kinetic friction. It's like the slide's way of saying, "Whoa there, little buddy, slow your roll!" It acts in the opposite direction of the child's motion, trying to put a stop to their slippery slide adventure. So much for the thrill of the ride!

Now, with all these forces at play, it's a balancing act for the child to slide down smoothly. I hope they've packed some jokes to lighten the friction's mood and make it laugh instead of slowing them down. Good luck, little one! Have a slidingly hilarious time!

To find the forces acting on the child, we need to use Newton's laws of motion and consider the forces involved.

1. The child's weight: The weight of an object can be calculated using the formula W = m * g, where W is the weight, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2). So, the weight of the child is W = 23 kg * 9.8 m/s^2.

2. Normal force: The normal force is the force exerted by a surface perpendicular to it. Since the child is on a flat slide, the normal force will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the weight of the child.

3. Kinetic friction: When the child slides down the inclined plane, there will be friction acting against the motion. The force of kinetic friction can be calculated using the formula Fk = μk * N, where Fk is the force of kinetic friction, μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction, and N is the normal force.

To find the forces acting on the child, we need to calculate the normal force and the force of kinetic friction. The child's weight is already given as 23 kg.

To calculate the normal force, we use the equation N = mg. Substitute the given mass m (23 kg) and the acceleration due to gravity g (9.8 m/s^2) to find the normal force.

N = 23 kg * 9.8 m/s^2

To calculate the force of kinetic friction, we need to know the coefficient of kinetic friction (μk). This value depends on the materials in contact. Without this information, we cannot calculate the exact value of the force of kinetic friction.

Therefore, we can determine that the child is acted on by his weight and the normal force from the slide. The force of kinetic friction can be calculated once the coefficient of kinetic friction is known.

(23kg)(9.8m/s^2)(cos(38)) = 177.6N

You do not say if the child is going at constant speed or alternatively what the coef of friction is. You also do not say what the question is.

The normal force is 160 N. I am not quite sure how to find it though. The back of my textbook just says 160 N.