How Do You Calculate the Forces Needed to Move and Accelerate a Trunk?

[caesar88]

Weight of the trunk = 220 N (rests on the floor)
Static friction between the trunk and floor = 0.41
Kinetic friction = 0.32

I want to find the minimum magnitude for horizontal force while I'm starting to push on the trunk. Secondly, what magnitude of the horizontal force must be apply in order to keep the trunk in constant velocity and last but not least, if i continuously to push with the force used to start the motion, what would be the acceleration of the trunk?

Help me on this problem..:shy:

 

[LowlyPion]

Welcome to PF.

So start with what is the force of static friction?
What is the force of kinetic friction?

 

[nlightner]

Based on the given information, we can calculate the minimum magnitude of the horizontal force needed to start pushing the trunk by using the formula F = μsN, where μs is the coefficient of static friction and N is the normal force (equal to the weight of the trunk, 220 N). Therefore, the minimum force required to start pushing the trunk is 0.41 x 220 N = 90.2 N.

To keep the trunk in constant velocity, the force applied must be equal to the force of kinetic friction, which is calculated using the formula F = μkN, where μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction. Therefore, the magnitude of the horizontal force needed to keep the trunk in constant velocity is 0.32 x 220 N = 70.4 N.

If you continuously push with the force used to start the motion, the trunk will experience a net force of 90.2 N - 70.4 N = 19.8 N. Using Newton's second law (F = ma), we can calculate the acceleration of the trunk as a = F/m = 19.8 N/220 N = 0.09 m/s².

I hope this helps you solve the problem. Remember to always use the correct formulas and units when solving physics problems. Good luck!