Finding Force via Static Friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force required to move a crate across a rough floor, specifically addressing a Physics 101 problem. The crate has a mass of 34 kg and a coefficient of static friction of 0.48, with the applied force at an angle of 21° below the horizontal. The necessary force to initiate movement is determined using the equation F = μs * mg / (cosѲ - μs sinѲ), resulting in a calculated force of 210.224 N. Key equations used include the normal force (N), weight (W), and maximum static friction (fs,max).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of static friction and its coefficient
  • Ability to resolve forces into components
  • Familiarity with basic trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's second law in two dimensions
  • Learn about the concepts of normal force and friction in physics
  • Explore more complex problems involving inclined planes and friction
  • Review trigonometric identities and their applications in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students in introductory physics courses, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of static friction and force calculations.

xthursday
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This is a problem from my Physics 101 class that I'm having trouble solving. I'm not sure what equations I'm supposed to use.

Homework Statement


To move a large crate across a rough floor, you push on it with a force F at an angle of 21° below the horizontal. Find the force necessary to start the crate moving, given that the mass of the crate is m = 34 kg and the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the floor is 0.48.


Homework Equations


N= mgcosѲ = 311.386N
W= mgsinѲ = 119.53N
fs,max = mews*N = 149.465N
ΣF = N + fs + W


The Attempt at a Solution


Eek I don't know! That's why I'm posting!
 
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xthursday said:
This is a problem from my Physics 101 class that I'm having trouble solving. I'm not sure what equations I'm supposed to use.

Homework Statement


To move a large crate across a rough floor, you push on it with a force F at an angle of 21° below the horizontal. Find the force necessary to start the crate moving, given that the mass of the crate is m = 34 kg and the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the floor is 0.48.


Homework Equations


N= mgcosѲ = 311.386N
W= mgsinѲ = 119.53N
fs,max = mews*N = 149.465N
ΣF = N + fs + W


The Attempt at a Solution


Eek I don't know! That's why I'm posting!
Xthursday, welcome to the Forums! You have shown some attempt, but you must show more. This is a horizontal floor. The applied force (call it P) is at the angle noted. When summing forces acting on an object, you should look at the x and y components of the forces separately. In the x direction, you have the x component of the applied force acting right, and the friction force acting left. In the y direction, the weight acts straight down, the Normal force acts straight up,, and there is also the y component of the applied force acting down. Use Newton 1 in the y direction and in the x direction to solve for N and P. Please show your work.
 
With some help from other examples I figured out which equation I need to be using:
F= μs * mg / (cosѲ - μs sinѲ)
F= (.48)*(34kg)*(9.81m/s²) / [(cos(21) -.48(sin(21))]
F= 210.224 N
 

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