Calculating Minimal Force for Constant Speed: Friction & Mass Relationship

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SUMMARY

The minimal force required to move a 20 kg block at a constant speed on a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.30 is calculated to be 58.86 N. This value is derived using the formula for frictional force, which is the product of the coefficient of friction, mass, and gravitational acceleration (20 kg * 0.30 * 9.8 m/s²). According to Newton's 1st Law, the applied force must equal the frictional force for the block to maintain constant velocity, confirming that an applied force of 58.86 N is necessary.

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Homework Statement



A 20 kg block is on a surface where the coefficient of friction is 0.30. Find the minimal force needed to have the block more slowly at a constant speed.


The Attempt at a Solution



So I did coefficient of friction(mass)(gravity)=frictional force
20(0.3)(9.8)=58.86 N is the frictional force

Now is the minimal force needed to move the block like 58.87?
 
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Yes, for the block to be moving at a constant velocity (by Newton's 1st Law), friction = force applied on block. Hence your answer is absolutely correct.
 

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