Finding the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

In summary, the conversation discusses a worker at a moving company sliding a 252kg trunk at a constant velocity with a horizontal force of 625 Newtons on a piece of carpeting. The questions asked are about the coefficient of kinetic friction, the effect of adding a 56kg trunk on top of the original trunk, and the horizontal force needed to move the combined trunks at a constant velocity. The relevant equations mentioned are F=MA and Ffriction=µFnormal. The individual is unsure about finding the coefficient of kinetic friction and notes that if the velocity is constant, acceleration would be 0 in ΣF=ma.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A worker at a moving company places a 252kg trunk on a piece of carpeting and slides it across the floor at a constant velocity by exerting a horizontal force of 625 Newtons on the trunk.

a) What is the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction?

b) What happens to the coefficient of kinetic friction if another 56kg trunk is placed on top of the 252kg trunk?

c) What horizontal force must the mover apply to move the combination of the two trunks at a constant velocity?

Homework Equations


F=MA
Ffriction=µFnormal

The Attempt at a Solution



I have absolutely no idea how to find the coefficient of kinetic friction because I am only able to get force normal by using Fg=mg because its not moving up or down so Fn and Fg are equal. That's about it. Thankz
 
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  • #2
If the velocity is constant, it means that a=0, right?
So what would that mean if we apply that on ΣF=ma?
 

1. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction?

The coefficient of kinetic friction is a dimensionless number that represents the amount of resistance between two surfaces when one is in motion relative to the other. It is denoted by the symbol μk.

2. How is the coefficient of kinetic friction measured?

The coefficient of kinetic friction is typically measured by conducting experiments in which an object is placed on a surface and a known force is applied to it to create motion. The ratio of the applied force to the resulting motion is then calculated to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction.

3. What factors affect the coefficient of kinetic friction?

The coefficient of kinetic friction can be affected by several factors, including the nature of the surfaces in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, the applied force, and the presence of any lubricants or other substances between the surfaces.

4. How does the coefficient of kinetic friction differ from static friction?

The coefficient of kinetic friction represents the resistance between two surfaces when they are in motion, while static friction represents the resistance between two surfaces when they are at rest. The coefficient of kinetic friction is typically lower than the coefficient of static friction.

5. Why is the coefficient of kinetic friction important?

The coefficient of kinetic friction is important in many practical applications, such as designing vehicles and machinery, understanding the behavior of objects in motion, and predicting the amount of force needed to move an object on a given surface. It also helps us understand the natural world and how objects interact with each other.

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