Solving a Friction Force and Coefficient of Friction Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving friction force and coefficient of friction. The user calculated the friction force (Ff) to be 10N using the equation Fnet = ma, where the net force is derived from the applied force minus the friction force. The coefficient of friction (μ) was determined to be 0.2 by applying the formula Ff = μFn, where Fn is the normal force calculated as the weight of the block (mg). The calculations are confirmed to be correct based on the provided values.

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nitegrl
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Hi I'm new here, I hope someone can help me. I think I got the first half of the question, but I got stuck one the second part. Well here it goes,

A force of 40N accelerates a 5.0kg block at 6.0m^2 along a horizontal surface.
a.) How large is the friction force?
b.) What is the coefficient of friction?

a.) Fnet= ma
Fp-Ff= ma
(40)-Ff= (5)(6)
40-Ff= 30
40-30= Ff
Ff= 10N

I know that you have to use Ff= (mu)Fn, but how do you get Fn?

And is there a way to show symbols like mu?
 
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Since the block moves in the horizontal direction only, the sum of the vertical forces equals zero. that is how you get fn.
type to get the symbol.
[tex]\mu[/tex]
 
[tex]fn=mg=9.8*5*\mu[/tex]
[tex]10=49\mu[/tex]
[tex]\mu=.2[/tex]

does this seem right? its been awhile
 

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