Finding horizontal force using mass and static friction?

  • #1

Homework Statement


There is a box that has a mass of 30 kg. The coefficient of the static friction is 0.75. Find the horizontal force.

Homework Equations


Fs=muFn
F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


Fs=(.75)(.98)(.30)=.2205 N

That is probably way off... I am very confused right now. Could someone please explain the steps to solving it?
 
  • #2
This can't possibly be the exact problem statement. Please provide the exact problem statement (word for word).

Chet
 
  • #3
The mass of the garbage can is 30 kg. The coefficient of the static friction between the can and the ground is .75.
What is the horizontal force necessary to get the can moving?
 
  • #4
The mass of the garbage can is 30 kg. The coefficient of the static friction between the can and the ground is .75.
What is the horizontal force necessary to get the can moving?
Much better. Now in your post #1, what does the 0.98 represent, and what does the 0.30 represent (including their units)?

Chet
 
  • #5
.98 m/s/s represents gravity and sorry I typed it wrong. It should be 30 N
 
  • #7
.98 m/s/s represents gravity and sorry I typed it wrong. It should be 30 N
It should be 9.8 m/s/s. How did the 30 kg become 0.30?

Chet
 
  • #8
Wow yes 9.8 for Gravity. How should I continue then?
 
  • #9
Wow yes 9.8 for Gravity. How should I continue then?
According to your understanding, you tell me. You almost had it right to start with.

Chet
 
  • #11
Should I multiply (9.8)(30)(.75)?
If you're not sure about this, you need to go back and review your text and/or notes. The objective of studying a course is so that you can understand the fundamentals (and use this to solve a wide array of problems), rather than just to solve one specific problem.

Chet
 

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