Please help with a friction problem (due tomorrow)

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter StevieRayT
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coefficient of friction (μ) between a 22 kg chair and the floor, given that it requires 15 Joules of work to push the chair 1.8 meters. The correct coefficient of friction is determined to be 0.46 using the formula μ = W / (MGD), where W is work, M is mass, G is gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²), and D is distance. The initial incorrect answer of 0.04 was clarified through proper application of the physics formulas involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically Kinetic and Potential energy.
  • Familiarity with the formula for work (W = F * D).
  • Knowledge of the relationship between force, mass, and gravitational acceleration (F = mg).
  • Ability to manipulate and rearrange equations to solve for unknown variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the work-energy principle in physics.
  • Learn about the different types of friction, including static and kinetic friction.
  • Explore real-world applications of friction calculations in engineering and design.
  • Review problem-solving techniques for physics problems involving forces and motion.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching Kinetic and Potential energy concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction in practical scenarios.

StevieRayT
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Determine the coefficient of friction between a 22kg chair and the floor if it requires 15J to push it 1.8m (We're doing a Kinetic and Potential energy unit)

Answer for mu is .04, but can you help me in getting there, we have a test tomorrow!


Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
StevieRayT said:
Determine the coefficient of friction between a 22kg chair and the floor if it requires 15J to push it 1.8m (We're doing a Kinetic and Potential energy unit)

Answer for mu is .04, but can you help me in getting there, we have a test tomorrow!Thanks in advance!
This is not were you post homework questions. To answer your problem though.

F = ukN
uk = F / MG
W = D * F
F = W / D
uk = W / MGD
uk = (15) / (22)(9.8)(1.8)
uk = 0.46
 

Similar threads

High School Questions about momentum and force as well as normal force/friction
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
6K
High School The physics of flywheel launchers (like tennis ball shooters)
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
8K
Undergrad What is Friction? Definition & Explanation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School How to characterize a rubber ball moving horizontally and bouncing off of a vertical wall?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Net Force and Coefficient of Friction in Physics Problems?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
I rewrote the Friction chapter from Tipler & Mosca
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Finding work done by friction on a box
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Energy lost due to bushing friction
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Help Again Please - Box sliding on a floor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Static and Kinetic Friction problem
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K