Frictional Forces and Coefficients of Friction [Need help]

AI Thread Summary
To determine the minimum force required to keep a sled moving at a constant speed over a horizontal surface with a kinetic coefficient of friction of 0.20 and a mass of 2 slugs, the frictional force formula F(s) = Ns(mg) is used. The calculation yields F(s) = 0.20 * 2 slugs * 32 ft/s², resulting in 12.8. However, the units for the force are questioned, as the calculation is in slugs and feet, not Newtons. The correct force units for this scenario should be pounds, as the system uses imperial units. Understanding the conversion of units is crucial for accurate results in physics problems involving friction.
tutojean
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Homework Statement


A sled is pulled at a constant speed over a horizontal surface where the kinetic coefficient of friction is .20. What is the minimum force necessary to keep the sled moving if its mass is 2 slugs?


Homework Equations



f(s)=U(s)N or f(s)=Ns(mg)

F(s)= Frictional Force
m=weight
g=gravity
(Not sure about this equation or problem)

The Attempt at a Solution



F(s) = Ns(mg)
F(s) = (.20)(2 slugs)(32 ft/s^(2))
F(s) = 12.8 N ?

Am I doing this right or wrong? Can somebody please show me how to do this?
 
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You did it right, except that the force units are not Newtons.

What force units go with feet, slugs, and seconds?
 
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