Finding force of friction on mass

AI Thread Summary
A student is seeking help with a physics problem involving a 4.0 kg mass being accelerated by a 5.0 N force at 0.50 m/s². The student is unsure how to calculate the friction force acting on the mass, initially considering the equation F(friction) = uFN but lacking the coefficient of friction. After calculating the net force using F = ma, the student deduces that the friction force is 3 N by subtracting the mass's acceleration force (2 N) from the applied force (5 N). The student expresses enthusiasm for learning physics despite challenges, indicating a desire to improve understanding before exams. The discussion highlights the importance of grasping fundamental concepts in physics for academic success.
dannyboy8920
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Hey, I am a student in first year of college, going through some of my exam review questions the teacher gave us to polish up on before the exam. would appreciate the help, its probably a really easy question; but I am just getting into physics...went through a bunch of differerent things.

Homework Statement


A horizontal force of 5.0N accelerates a 4.0kg mass, from rest, at a rate of 0.50m/s^2 in the positive direction. what friction force acts on the mass.

Homework Equations


I know that F(friction)=uFN, =u(ma)
where I am getting stuck is that i don't have the coefficient to find the FF

The Attempt at a Solution


I further looked, and not sure if this the right way to do it.
Im given the F of 5.0N ...do i just do F=ma, so =(4.0kg)(.50m/s^2) =2N...

Do i just find the difference in them?; so 5.0N-2.0N =3N.
 
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dannyboy8920 said:
Hey, I am a student in first year of college, going through some of my exam review questions the teacher gave us to polish up on before the exam. would appreciate the help, its probably a really easy question; but I am just getting into physics...went through a bunch of differerent things.

Homework Statement


A horizontal force of 5.0N accelerates a 4.0kg mass, from rest, at a rate of 0.50m/s^2 in the positive direction. what friction force acts on the mass.


Homework Equations


I know that F(friction)=uFN, =u(ma)
where I am getting stuck is that i don't have the coefficient to find the FF


The Attempt at a Solution


I further looked, and not sure if this the right way to do it.
Im given the F of 5.0N ...do i just do F=ma, so =(4.0kg)(.50m/s^2) =2N...

Do i just find the difference in them?; so 5.0N-2.0N =3N.
yes!
 
PhanthomJay said:
yes!
alllrighty...were in business..lol..
that came to me while i was writing up the problem...figured id ask if it worked...
and by the way, this is a great forum here...wish i had of known this earlier...seem to be struggling in physics, didnt take it in High school and now they gave us a first year physics class in college...only need to take one of them; but hope to get through it, cause its taking my marks down from the courses I am majoring in. I like physics; really want to learn all the concepts but seems that there getting thrown at me in bunches...
thanks for the help; i may be posting some other problems...just trying to get a better grasp on things.
 
Welcome to PF, and good luck in your studies!
 
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