# Friction problem of a bureau

1. Sep 23, 2008

### musicfairy

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A bureau rests on a rough horizontal surface ($$\mu$$s = 0.50, $$\mu$$k = 0.40). A constant horizontal force, just sufficient to start the bureau in motion, is then applied. The acceleration of the bureau is:

A. 0
B. 0.98 m/s2
C. 3.3 m/s2
D. 4.5 m/s2
E. 8.9 m/s2

3. The attempt at a solution

The answer is B and I can't figure out why. I tried to use only $$\mu$$s and set friction equal to ma. It gave me C.

I can see where B comes from, kinetic friction is subtracted from static friction. Can someone explain why?

2. Sep 23, 2008

### LowlyPion

The static friction is greater than the kinetic friction. Moving a bureau across a carpet for instance once you get it going you want to keep it going because, once it stops, its harder to get going again.

That's what the problem is telling you. Once the bureau starts - it breaks the Static friction, then the only retarding force is the Kinetic friction. But it is .1 lower. So the surplus .1 goes into accelerating things.

3. Sep 23, 2008

### musicfairy

Thanks a lot. I understand now.