Is the Normal Force Correct in Your Friction Work Calculation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block being dragged over a rough horizontal surface, where participants are trying to calculate the work done by the force of friction. The problem includes parameters such as the mass of the block, the applied force at an angle, the distance moved, and the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the force of friction and the work done by this force, with some questioning the assumptions made regarding the normal force. There is a focus on the relationship between the applied force and the normal force, and how this affects the frictional force.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the calculation of the normal force and its impact on the frictional force. Guidance has been offered on how to properly account for the normal force in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the need to consider the vertical components of forces acting on the block, as well as the implications of the applied force not being parallel to the surface. Participants are also questioning whether the initial assumptions about the normal force being equal to the weight of the block are valid.

the_d
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A 19.1 kg block is dragged over a rough, hor-
izontal surface by a constant force of 195 N
acting at an angle of angle 29.1 degrees above the
horizontal. The block is displaced 30.3 m,
and the coeficient of kinetic friction is 0.116.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2 .

the question ask for he magnitude of work done by the force of friction.

I found the force of friction to be 21.71 N and but the answer I'm getting for Work of frictional force is wrong. i don't know what's the matter, am i reading the problem wrong or sumtin? Work of Frictional force = Ffr(x)(cos180) i used 30.3 for x like the problem gave.
 
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the_d said:
A 19.1 kg block is dragged over a rough, hor-
izontal surface by a constant force of 195 N
acting at an angle of angle 29.1 degrees above the
horizontal. The block is displaced 30.3 m,
and the coeficient of kinetic friction is 0.116.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2 .

the question ask for he magnitude of work done by the force of friction.

I found the force of friction to be 21.71 N and but the answer I'm getting for Work of frictional force is wrong. i don't know what's the matter, am i reading the problem wrong or sumtin? Work of Frictional force = Ffr(x)(cos180) i used 30.3 for x like the problem gave.
{Work by Friction} = {Friction Force}*{Distance} =
= {Net Normal Force on Surface}*{Coeff of Friction}*{Distance}
= {(Block Weight) - (Normal Component Pulling Force)}*{Coeff of Friction}*{Distance} =
= {(19.1 kg)*(9.8 m/sec^2) - (195 N)*sin(29.1 deg)}*(0.116)*(30.3 m) =
= (324.6 J)


~~
 
Last edited:
so?

the_d said:
A 19.1 kg block is dragged over a rough, hor-
izontal surface by a constant force of 195 N
acting at an angle of angle 29.1 degrees above the
horizontal. The block is displaced 30.3 m,
and the coeficient of kinetic friction is 0.116.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2 .

the question ask for he magnitude of work done by the force of friction.

I found the force of friction to be 21.71 N and but the answer I'm getting for Work of frictional force is wrong. i don't know what's the matter, am i reading the problem wrong or sumtin? Work of Frictional force = Ffr(x)(cos180) i used 30.3 for x like the problem gave.


if the block weighs 19.1 kg and the force is not parallel to the horizontal surface, what are all of the forces acting on the block? vertical components of gravity, the block's mass, and the "pulling force", and the horizontal components of the frictional force from the surface and the "pulling force", have to balance, right? if not, the block will be accelerating.

one way or the other, if w=f*d, the frictional force times the 30.3m should equal the total work done by the frictional force. do you have the "right answer" supplied to you?
 
the_d said:
I found the force of friction to be 21.71 N ...
You got this answer by assuming that the normal force equals the weight. Not true, since the applied force changes the normal force. Instead, solve for the normal force by applying the equilibrium condition:
[itex]\Sigma F_y = 0[/itex]
[itex]F_n - mg + F_{applied}sin\theta = 0[/itex]
Once you solve for [itex]F_n[/itex], the friction will be [itex]\mu F_n[/itex].
 

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