Calculating Distance: Free Body Diagram for Box Sliding with Friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance a 250 kg box travels before coming to rest after being pushed with a horizontal force of 140 N while sliding on a surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.20. The key concept is the application of Newton's first law, which states that an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by a net force. The free-body diagram must accurately represent the forces acting on the box, including gravitational force, normal force, and frictional force, while clarifying that there is no leftward force acting on the box once it is in motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of free-body diagrams
  • Familiarity with kinetic friction and its coefficient
  • Basic algebra for solving equations of motion
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  • Study the principles of Newton's first law in detail
  • Learn how to construct accurate free-body diagrams
  • Explore calculations involving kinetic friction and motion equations
  • Investigate the effects of varying forces on an object's motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and tutors looking to clarify concepts related to motion and forces.

Shehryar
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Homework Statement


A 250 kg box slides down the ramp and then across a level floor. The coefficient of kinetic friction along the floor is 0.20. A person see the box moving at 1.0 m/s(left) and pushes on it with a horizontal force of 140 N (right). How far does the box travel before coming to rest?

I know that Fk = 0.20, m = 250g. Now I have to draw the free-body diagram.

2. The attempt at a solution

Initially, the diagram was like this:
<-------- v = -1.0m/sFa<------BOX----->Fa
----->Ft

Gravity and the normal force were also drawn, however, the diagram is wrong... For some reason, there is no Fa on the left side, but WHY? If the box was going off the ramp it has to have some force that is keeping it moving to the left? Can someone please explain how to draw the free body diagram, especially why there is no leftward force?
 
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Shehryar said:
If the box was going off the ramp it has to have some force that is keeping it moving to the left?
Not so. This is fundamental to kinetics. A body with no net force acting on it will keep moving with constant velocity.
Please clarify the meanings of your variables, Fk, Fa, Ft.
 

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