How does accelerating an object affect the force of friction?

In summary, when an object on a horizontal platform is moving at a constant velocity of 10m/s and then begins to accelerate, the force of friction should remain constant. This is because the coefficient of friction and the normal force, which are the two variables in the equation for force of friction, do not change in this scenario. Therefore, the force of friction should not decrease and the object should continue to accelerate.
  • #1
M_of_A_v_T
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If an object on a horizontal platform is moving at a constant velocity of 10m/s, and then begins to accelerate, what happens to the force of friction?

Some people are telling me that the force of friction decreases and therefore the object accelerates...

HOWEVEr..

force of friction = Coefficient of friction ( Normal Force)

Going from constant velocity to acceleration doesn't affect any of the variables in that equation..

Coefficient of friction is a constant that depends on the two materials, which remain constant, and Normal force is the same because the object is still on a horizontal platform. Therefore, going from constant velocity to uniform acceleration should not affect the force of friction should remain constant...Am I wrong?
 
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  • #2
M_of_A_v_T said:
Therefore, going from constant velocity to uniform acceleration should not affect the force of friction should remain constant...Am I wrong?
You are correct. (At least within the standard model of kinetic friction.)
 

1. How does increasing the acceleration of an object affect the force of friction?

As the acceleration of an object increases, the force of friction also increases. This is because a greater acceleration means the object is moving faster, and therefore experiencing more resistance from the surface it is sliding against.

2. Does the type of surface affect how much friction is produced when accelerating an object?

Yes, the type of surface does have an effect on the force of friction when accelerating an object. For example, a rough surface will typically produce more friction than a smooth surface, as the rough surface has more points of contact with the object.

3. How does the mass of an object influence the force of friction when accelerating?

The mass of an object does not have a direct effect on the force of friction when accelerating. However, a heavier object may require more force to accelerate, which in turn can increase the force of friction.

4. Can the force of friction be reduced by accelerating an object?

No, accelerating an object will not reduce the force of friction. In fact, it will typically increase the force of friction as the object moves faster and experiences more resistance from the surface it is sliding against.

5. Is there a maximum force of friction that can be produced when accelerating an object?

Yes, there is a maximum force of friction that can be produced when accelerating an object. This is known as the limiting friction force and is dependent on factors such as the type of surface, the weight of the object, and the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces.

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