Calculating Coefficent of Kinetic Friction: Box on Floor

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction for a box of books weighing 325 N that moves with constant velocity across a floor when pushed with a force of 425 N at an angle of 35.2 degrees below the horizontal. The context is centered around the principles of friction and forces acting on an object in motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to draw a free body diagram to visualize forces, noting that the box moves at constant velocity, which implies a net force of zero. They mention resolving forces into horizontal and vertical components and the relationship between friction force and the normal force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem by suggesting the use of free body diagrams and equations based on the forces involved. However, there is no explicit consensus on the method or final outcome as the discussion is still in the exploratory phase.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available and the assumptions that can be made regarding the forces acting on the box.

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Help on calculating coefficient of kinetic friction

Here is the problem: A box of books weighing 325 N moves with a constant
velocity across the floor when it is pushed with a force of 425 N exerted downward at an angle of 35.2 degrees below the horizontal. Find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the floor.

Thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
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1. Draw a vector free body diagram showing all forces acting on the box.
2. Since it is moving at constant velocity the net force must be zero.
3. Resolve forces horizontally and vertically to get two equations. Remember that the friction force is [itex]\mu N[/itex], where [itex]\mu[/itex] is the coefficient of friction and [itex]N[/itex] is the normal reaction force.
4. Solve your two equations simultaneously to find [itex]\mu[/itex].
 
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