Physics

Sled Ride Calculator

Find a sled's acceleration and speed down a snowy slope.

Slope angle (°)

Friction coefficient

Slope length

Gravity (m/s²)

Calculated Output

Acceleration (m/s²) 2.065

Speed at bottom 11.132

Formula: a = g(sinθ − μcosθ); v = √(2aL)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Slope angle = 15 °

3. Friction coefficient = 0.05

4. Slope length = 30

5. Gravity = 9.81 m/s²

7. Acceleration = 2.065m/s²

8. Speed at bottom = 11.132

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The math behind it

a = g(sinθ − μcosθ); the bottom speed from rest is √(2aL). If friction wins, the sled won't slide.

15° slope, μ 0.05, 30 m → a ≈ 2.07 m/s², about 11.1 m/s at the bottom.

What if it won't start moving?

When tanθ ≤ μ, static friction holds it in place.