Constant horizontal force and friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 50 kg object being pushed across a floor by a constant horizontal force of 200 N, with a focus on determining the force of friction. Participants are exploring the relationship between the applied force and the force of friction, particularly in the context of the problem's completeness and assumptions regarding motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the completeness of the problem statement, particularly regarding the coefficient of friction and whether the object is moving at a constant velocity. There is uncertainty about why the force of friction is equal to the applied force without explicit information about the motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing concerns about the problem's completeness and suggesting that assumptions may need to be made. Some guidance has been offered regarding solving for the coefficient of friction under the assumption of constant velocity, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may lack critical information, such as the coefficient of friction, which is essential for a complete analysis. There is also a suggestion that the problem may have been poorly constructed or presented.

rasen58
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Homework Statement


A 50 kg is pushed across a floor by a constant horizontal force of 200 N. What is the force of friction?

Homework Equations


Ffr = coeff*Fn

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how to find it as I don't know the coefficient.
The answer says the answer is 200 N, but I don't know why it's equal to the applied force. The problem didn't say it was being moved at a constant velocity, it only has a constant applied force.
 
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Check the problem statement for any other information. You feel it's incomplete as it stands, and it is incomplete as it stands.
 
Bystander said:
Check the problem statement for any other information. You feel it's incomplete as it stands, and it is incomplete as it stands.

Is the problem written correctly and completely or is there some missing parts !??
 
That's all that was given. I guess whoever wrote the problem wrote it incompletely.
 
Solve it for the coefficient of friction necessary for constant velocity, and include an explanation that you're making an assumption based on the given answer.
 

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