How Do You Calculate Acceleration with Friction Involved?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of acceleration for a 219-kg crate being pushed with a force of 710 N, given a coefficient of friction of 0.20. The equation F=ma is used to solve for acceleration, with friction being subtracted from the overall force. The final result is an acceleration of 1.282 m/s^2.
  • #1
halo9909
37
0

Homework Statement



A 219-kg crate is pushed horizontally with a force of 710 N. If the coefficient of friction is 0.20, calculate the acceleration of the crate.

m=219kg
force of friction= 219kg *.2 =43.8N?

Homework Equations




f=ma?

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure at all how to calculate the acceleration and what to use as the "F" to calcuate it
 
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  • #2
friction is normal force*coefficient of friction

thus the force of friction would by 219*gravity*.2

The equation, F=ma, is right.

But friction always points in the opposite direction so it would set up like this:

Force(710) - friction = ma

then solve for a!

Hope this helps.
 
  • #3
yeah that does help
since I didnt realize you had to subtract the 710 with the Ff

so 710-429.24=280.76N
280.76N/219=1.282
a=1.282m/s^2
 
  • #4
yup, I didn't do the actually calculations, but it looks right.
An easy way to remember this is :

winner force - loser force = ma

And free-body diagramming it helps too
 

What is friction acceleration?

Friction acceleration is the change in velocity of an object due to the force of friction acting upon it. It is the result of the resistance between two surfaces when they come into contact.

How does friction acceleration affect an object's motion?

Friction acceleration can either increase or decrease the velocity of an object, depending on the direction of the applied force and the direction of motion. If the force of friction is in the opposite direction of motion, it will slow down the object. If the force of friction is in the same direction as motion, it can cause the object to speed up.

What factors affect friction acceleration?

The primary factors that affect friction acceleration are the type of surfaces in contact, the force of the applied force, and the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces. Other factors, such as the weight and shape of the object, can also influence friction acceleration.

How is friction acceleration calculated?

The formula for calculating friction acceleration is a = μ * g, where 'a' is the acceleration, 'μ' is the coefficient of friction, and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity. This formula assumes that the force of friction is equal to the applied force and that the object is moving on a flat surface.

How can friction acceleration be reduced?

Friction acceleration can be reduced by using lubricants between surfaces, smoothing out rough surfaces, or using materials with lower coefficients of friction. Additionally, reducing the force of the applied force or changing the direction of motion can also decrease friction acceleration.

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