What is the relationship between force and surface area when pushing a crate?

  • Thread starter Kdawg
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Area
In summary, when turning a wooden crate on end, the force needed to push it at the same speed on the same floor will be reduced compared to the original force. This is because the friction force, which is dependent on the weight of the object, is calculated using a simple model that takes into account the surface area in contact with the floor. Therefore, reducing the surface area by half will result in a decrease in the force needed to push the crate. However, it is important to note that this is an experimental relation and not a fundamental law.
  • #1
Kdawg
34
0
You are pushing a wooden crate across the floor at constant speed.You decide to turn the crate on end, reducing by half the surface area in contact with the floor. In the new orientation, to push the same crate across the same floor with the same speed, the force that you apply must be what compared to the original force?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This can't be that hard
 
  • #3
Depending on your level, force of friction is using a simple model calculated by the following:
[tex]
F_\textrm{friction} = \mu_k F_\textrm{normal}
[/tex]
Keep in mind this isn't a fundamental law, it's an experimental relation between the magnitude of the friction force and the magnitude of the normal force.
 
  • #4
Remember that the friction force is proportional to the weight of the object, not the area of contact!
 

1. What is the relationship between force and surface area?

The relationship between force and surface area is that the larger the surface area, the greater the force needed to overcome resistance or friction. This is because a larger surface area creates more points of contact, increasing the amount of force needed to move an object.

2. How does surface area affect pressure?

Surface area has a direct effect on pressure. When the surface area of an object is increased, the force applied to that object is spread out over a larger area, resulting in a decrease in pressure. On the other hand, decreasing surface area increases pressure, as the same amount of force is applied to a smaller area.

3. What is the formula for calculating force?

The formula for calculating force is Force = mass x acceleration (F=ma). This means that the force applied to an object is directly proportional to its mass and the acceleration it experiences.

4. How can surface area be increased?

Surface area can be increased by either increasing the dimensions of an object or by creating more surface features, such as bumps or ridges. This can be achieved through various methods such as stretching, folding, or shaping the material.

5. What are some real-life examples of how force and surface area are related?

One real-life example of the relationship between force and surface area is when pushing a heavy box. The larger the surface area of the box, the more force is required to move it. Another example is when a parachute opens, increasing its surface area and reducing the force of gravity acting on the person attached to it.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
15K
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top