Finding coefficient of kinetic friction given mass & horizontal force?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the coefficient of kinetic friction for a wooden box being pushed across a floor. The original poster states that a force of 30 N is used to slide a 12 kg box at constant velocity, leading to questions about the correct application of the frictional force formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the applied force and the frictional force, with some attempting to clarify the correct formula for kinetic friction. Questions arise regarding the values used for force and mass, and the original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the frictional force and its relationship to the normal force. Several interpretations of the problem are being explored, and while some calculations are presented, there is no explicit consensus on the correct coefficient of kinetic friction.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of typos in the force values, which may affect the calculations. Participants also highlight the importance of distinguishing between static and kinetic friction, and the need for clarity in the problem statement.

pebbles
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Homework Statement



You use 30N (**Not 25 N, that was a typo) to slide a wooden box that is 12 kg across a floor at constant velocity. What is the coefficient of kinetic fricition?

Homework Equations



Ff=coeff of kinetic friction (mu k) m*g
?? not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution



coeff of kinetic friction=12 kg/30N=.4.

That answer is obviously incorrect, but I don't know what to do.
Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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A body moves across a floor at constant velocity, when you overcome the frictional force. Your formula for frictional force is correct. From where did you get 30 N?
 
oh oops. that was a typo. 25 N should be 30 N.

.4 is correct?
 
No. What is the frictional force?
 
hm. I'm looking through my textbook and i can't find a formula for frictional force and i can't remember how to get it...a hint please?
 
well, wait Ffriction=muK*m*g.

would it just be 12 kg * 9.8 m/s^2?
 
Ffriction=25N. Since that is what's producing the force you are pushing. mg is the normal force. The coefficient of friction, if memory serves, is related to a ratio between those two numbers.
 
Dick, actually, it's not 25N, that was a typo. Question is actually 30 N.

so, Ff=30N-->
coefficient of kinetic friction=30 N/12.0 kg * 9.80 m/s^2= .26.

Am I right?

I thank everyone for their input. :]
 
Well, yeah. Ffriction/Fnormal=mu_kinetic. Right?
 
  • #10
pebbles said:

Homework Statement



You use 30N (**Not 25 N, that was a typo) to slide a wooden box that is 12 kg across a floor at constant velocity. What is the coefficient of kinetic fricition?

Homework Equations



Ff=coeff of kinetic friction (mu k) m*g
?? not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution



coeff of kinetic friction=12 kg/30N=.4.

That answer is obviously incorrect, but I don't know what to do.
Thanks in advance.


Maybe use F=MA??
 
  • #11
Hi guys!

for a body at rest the friction acting on it is called static friction! and when the body starts to move it possesses Kinetic Friction . The max value to which static friction can increase before the body starts relative motion is called limiting friction.. Hence when a body is placed in the horizontal surface it exerts a force of its own wt downwards which is balanced by the normal reaction force ! N=mg. for dis condition fms=u*N, where u is the coefficient of friction , actually its mew i dnt knw where i can put dt symbol in ma keyboard. bt N=mg so coeff of friction u= fms/mg;

Dis is d main formulae .. i believe dt it would have cleared ur doubts!
 
  • #12
Hi Guys, tried looking for info about the below topic but couldn't find anything. We did an experiment at school ( Fliuds using the TE 64 aparatus) need to conduct a research the friction factor and explain the differences with the pipe coefficient
 
  • #13
Possibility solution

For your prob, I attempted to find the solution and found it is equal to -0.2551020408 ~ -0.26 (if you want to round it into 2-digits)
So this is how I found this answer
Given: 30 N = F ( some forces)
12 kg = m (mass)
so gravity force, F(g) = 12 kg x 9.8 m/s^2 = 117.6 N
Since from the problem said you applied 30 N to slide the wooden box, which there is an arrow showing the box moving forward, but at the same time there is also another force moving backward, equally, as well, friction (Newton 3rd Law).
So F(f) = -30 N
Since F(f) = μ * N => -30 = μ * 117.6 => μ = -30/ 117.6 = -0.2551020408 or -0.26
 
  • #14
how would the answer change if the force of friction accelerates at a rate of 3m/s^2
 
  • #15
physicsisnotfun said:
how would the answer change if the force of friction accelerates at a rate of 3m/s^2

Forces of friction don't accelerate. You'll have to state the problem much more clearly than that. Also suggest you start a new thread rather than resurrecting an old one.
 

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