Calculating Friction Force: 12 N, 0.6 & 0.8 Coefficients

In summary, the block is being pushed by a horizontal force of 12 N and is initially at rest against a vertical wall. The coefficients of static and kinetic friction are 0.6 and 0.8 respectively. The friction force can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of static friction by the normal force, which is 12 N. This gives a friction force of 7.2 N. Some may doubt this answer due to the difference in the static and kinetic friction coefficients.
  • #1
disruptors
17
1
A horizontal force of 12 N pushes a 0.5 Kg block against a vertical wall. The block is initially at rest, If static and kinetic coefficients are 0.6 and 0.8 respectively what is the friction force?

Basically the fbd has Force of 12 N across the x component(+) and the Normal force in the opposite (-ve)... The y component is positive facing downwards thus Fnety=mg-frictionforce=ma(y)... Friction force is equal to coefficient of static x Normal... static is 0.6 and Normal force is 12 N, which gives 7.2 N, right?

(i am doubting myself because some other ppl didnt get that)

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Thats an odd question.

The static Ff would seem to be lower then the kinetic Ff
 
  • #3
for asking this question! Your solution looks correct. The friction force can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of static friction (0.6) by the normal force (12 N). This gives a friction force of 7.2 N, which is the maximum amount of force that can be applied before the block starts to move. Once the block starts moving, the friction force will decrease to the coefficient of kinetic friction (0.8) multiplied by the normal force (12 N), which would give a friction force of 9.6 N. It's important to remember that the coefficient of friction is a measure of the amount of friction between two surfaces, and the actual force of friction will depend on the normal force and whether the object is in motion or at rest. Keep up the good work with your calculations!
 

1. What is friction force?

Friction force is the force that opposes the motion of an object when it comes into contact with another surface.

2. How is friction force calculated?

Friction force can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction between two surfaces by the normal force (or weight) of the object.

3. What is the significance of the coefficients in calculating friction force?

The coefficients, represented by the Greek letter mu (μ), indicate the level of friction between two surfaces. A higher coefficient means a greater friction force and a lower coefficient means a lower friction force.

4. How do you determine the coefficient of friction between two surfaces?

The coefficient of friction can be determined experimentally by measuring the force needed to move an object across a surface and dividing it by the normal force of the object.

5. What are the units for friction force?

The units for friction force are Newtons (N) in the metric system and pounds (lbs) in the imperial system.

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