Solving Friction Problems: Calculating Work

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In summary, to move a 35-kg crate at a steady speed across the floor with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.3, a horizontal force of 102.9 N is required. When moving a 1200-N crate at constant speed, a work of 3880 J is required to move it 4 m along the floor against a friction force of 230 N, and a work of 4800 J is required to move it 4 m vertically.
  • #1
needhelp83
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1)If the coefficient of kinetic friction between a 35-kg crate and the floor is 0.3, what horizontal force is required to move the crate at a steady speed across the floor?

FN=mg=(35 kg)(9.8 m/s2)=343 N
Ffr= kF N=(0.30)(343 N)=102.9 N




2)A 1200-N crate rests on the floor. How much work is required to move it at constant speed
a) 4 m along the floor against a friction force of 230 N
b) 4 m vertically?

a)
W G = mgxcos90°=0
W N = FNxcos90°=0
W net = (Fnet)xx=( Fnet – Ffr)x= (1200 N – 230 N)(4 m)= 3880 J

b)
W G = mgxcos90°=0
W N = FNxcos90°=0
W net = (Fnet)x=( Fnet – Ffr)x= (1200 N – 0)(4 m)= 4800 J

Just wanting to make sure I am doing everything correctly.
 
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  • #2
-1- looks good

-2a- They give you the force that is opposing your push. Work is force x distance.

-2b- The force opposing the lift is just the weight, so you have the correct answer. But I don't really understand what you are trying to say with the two equations =0 part. The work done is just the change in potential energy for the object between the two different heights.
 
  • #3
2a)

Would it just be
W=Fd
W=230N*4=920 J
 
  • #4
needhelp83 said:
2a)

Would it just be
W=Fd
W=230N*4=920 J
That would be my answer. How'd we do?
 

1. What is friction and why is it important to solve friction problems?

Friction is the resistance force that occurs when two surfaces come into contact with each other. It is important to solve friction problems because it can affect the performance and efficiency of machines and objects in motion.

2. How do you calculate work in a friction problem?

The formula for calculating work in a friction problem is work = force x distance. In this case, the force is the frictional force and the distance is the distance over which the force is acting.

3. Can you provide an example of solving a friction problem?

Sure, let's say you want to calculate the work done by a person pushing a 50 kg box across the floor with a frictional force of 20 N. The box is pushed a distance of 5 meters. The work would be calculated as work = 20 N x 5 m = 100 Joules.

4. How does the coefficient of friction affect the calculation of work?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of the frictional force between two surfaces. A higher coefficient of friction means a greater frictional force, which would result in more work being done to overcome the friction. Therefore, the coefficient of friction is an important factor in the calculation of work in a friction problem.

5. Are there any real-life applications of solving friction problems?

Yes, there are many real-life applications of solving friction problems. For example, engineers use friction calculations to design and improve the efficiency of machines and vehicles. Friction calculations are also important in sports, such as calculating the work done by a skier overcoming friction while skiing down a slope.

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