Help With Friction: Physics Question Puzzling Me!

In summary, the conversation revolves around understanding the concept of friction in a physics book, specifically in the context of two crates of different masses at rest on a horizontal surface. The question asks for the acceleration of the boxes and the force each box exerts on the other, given a known force and coefficient of kinetic friction. The conversation suggests drawing a free body force diagram for each box and using the formula Force = mass*acceleration to solve the problem. The person asking for help is completely lost and seeks assistance in understanding the concept and solving the problem.
  • #1
yeyspaz
11
0
I really don't undersand the friction chapter in my physics book, can somebody please help with one question. "Two crates of a mas of 75 and 110 kg are at rest on a horizontal surface. A 730 N force is exerted on the 75 kg box. If the coeff. of kinetic friction is .15 what is the acceleration of the boxes and the force each box exerts on the other?
Can somebody at least tell me what formaula to use. I am completely lost :frown:
 
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  • #2
1) Draw the Free body force diagram for each box.

2) Write down the relations between the forces and acceleration for each box in the horizontal and vertical directions.

3) From the equations you can find the net acceleration and force each box exerts on the other.

Show us where exactly in the problem you are stuck. It will be easier to help that way.
 
  • #3
Force = mass*acceleration (isn't this some law)

you have... Force - Ffriction = mass*acceleration

you know F
you know your masses
what is friction? your freebody will tell
 

1. What is friction and how does it affect motion?

Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It is caused by the microscopic irregularities on the surfaces of objects, which resist motion when they come into contact with each other. Friction can either slow down or prevent motion, depending on the direction and magnitude of the force.

2. How is the force of friction calculated?

The force of friction can be calculated using the equation F = μN, where F is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force (the force perpendicular to the surface of contact). The coefficient of friction is a constant value determined by the nature of the surfaces in contact and the roughness between them.

3. What are the different types of friction?

There are three types of friction: static, kinetic, and rolling friction. Static friction occurs when two surfaces are at rest and prevents them from moving. Kinetic friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. Rolling friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface and is caused by the deformation of the object and the surface it is rolling on.

4. How can friction be reduced?

Friction can be reduced by using a lubricant, such as oil or grease, to create a layer between two surfaces to reduce the amount of contact and thus reduce friction. Additionally, smoothing or polishing the surfaces can also reduce friction by making them more slippery.

5. How does friction affect energy transfer?

Friction converts kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat). When two surfaces rub against each other, the friction between them causes the surfaces to heat up and some energy is lost as heat. This can be seen when rubbing your hands together quickly, which creates heat due to the friction between them.

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