Coefficient of friction problem

In summary, a 10 kg body on a rough horizontal surface has an acceleration of 5 m/s when a horizontal force is applied. When the force is doubled, the acceleration becomes 18 m/s^2. The coefficient of friction between the body and the surface can be determined by using the equations fnet = f - umg = ma1 and Fnet = F - umg = ma2, where f and F are the forces in the first and second cases. After solving, the coefficient of friction is found to be 0.4.
  • #1
kranav
34
0

Homework Statement



a body of mass 10 kg lies on a rough horizontal surface with an acceleration of 5 m/s and when the horizontal force us doubled , it gets an acceleration of 18 m/s^2. Then the coefficient of friction between the body and the horizontal surface is:

A) 0.2 B) 0.8 C) 0.4 D) 0.6


Homework Equations


fnet = f - umg = ma1 1st case
Fnet = F - umg = ma2 2nd case

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve it but u comes out to be zero.
 
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  • #2
kranav said:
fnet = f - umg = ma1 1st case
Fnet = F - umg = ma2 2nd case
This looks good. (How do f and F relate?)

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve it but u comes out to be zero.
Try it one more time.
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
This looks good. (How do f and F relate?)


Try it one more time.


thanks! got the answer!
 

1. What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of the amount of resistance between two surfaces in contact when one is moving relative to the other. It is a dimensionless quantity, meaning it has no units.

2. How is the coefficient of friction calculated?

The coefficient of friction is calculated by dividing the force required to move one surface over another by the force pressing the two surfaces together. This can be expressed as μ = F/N, where μ is the coefficient of friction, F is the force required to move the surfaces, and N is the normal force between the surfaces.

3. What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by several factors, including the nature of the surfaces in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, the force pressing the surfaces together, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants.

4. What is a low coefficient of friction?

A low coefficient of friction means that there is less resistance between two surfaces in contact, making it easier for one surface to slide over the other. This can be beneficial in reducing wear and tear on surfaces and decreasing the force required for movement.

5. Why is the coefficient of friction important?

The coefficient of friction is important in many areas of science and engineering, as it affects the performance and efficiency of machines and structures. It is also relevant in everyday life, as it helps us understand why objects move or slide against each other and how to improve their movement.

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