Frictional Forces: Paper & Object on Top

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In summary, when pulling a piece of paper with a massive object resting on top of it, you are exerting a force directly on the paper that is equal to the sum of forces of friction between the paper and the supporting surface. If the paper is not moving, the force is determined by the static coefficient of friction and the weight of the object. If the paper is moving, the force is determined by the dynamic coefficient of friction and the weight of the object, as well as the acceleration applied to the object. This acceleration may be the same as the acceleration applied to the paper if the mass remains in contact with the paper and does not move independently.
  • #1
grief
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if I have a pieace of paper, a massive object resting ontop of it, and I pull the paper, am I exerting a force only on the paper or on the object on top of it? Or does the object on top have only friction acting on it?
 
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You are exerting a force directly on the paper, and that force will equal the force which is the sum of forces of friction between the paper and the table, which is related to the mass on top of the paper.

If the paper is not moving then the force will be given by the product of static coefficient of friction (between paper and surface supporting it) and the weight on the paper. If the paper is moving then it will product of dynamic coefficient of friction (between paper and surface supporting it) and the weight on the paper, plus the product of the mass and whatever acceleration is applied to the mass. If the paper is pulled abruptly, the force will be the sum of the friction between the paper and supporting surface and the friction between paper and mass.
 
  • #3
If the paper is moving then it will product of dynamic coefficient of friction (between paper and surface supporting it) and the weight on the paper, plus the product of the mass and whatever acceleration is applied to the mass.

so when you say the acceleration applied to the mass, is that the same as the acceleration applied on the paper?
 
  • #4
grief said:
so when you say the acceleration applied to the mass, is that the same as the acceleration applied on the paper?
In the case where the mass remains in contact with the paper, and does not move with respect to the paper.
 

1. What is frictional force?

Frictional force is a type of force that occurs when two surfaces are in contact and moving relative to each other. It opposes the motion of the two surfaces and is caused by the roughness of the surfaces.

2. How does frictional force affect the movement of objects?

Frictional force can either help or hinder the movement of objects. It can help by providing enough grip for objects to move without slipping, such as in the case of walking. On the other hand, it can hinder movement by creating resistance and making it more difficult for objects to move.

3. How does the weight of an object affect the frictional force?

The weight of an object does not directly affect the frictional force. However, the weight of an object can impact the amount of normal force between two surfaces, which in turn affects the amount of frictional force between the two surfaces. A heavier object will have a greater normal force and therefore a greater frictional force.

4. How does the texture of a surface affect the frictional force?

The texture of a surface can greatly impact the amount of frictional force. A rougher surface will have more surface area in contact with another surface, creating a greater frictional force. A smoother surface will have less surface area in contact, resulting in a smaller frictional force.

5. Can frictional force be reduced or eliminated?

Frictional force cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be reduced. One way to reduce frictional force is by using lubricants, which can create a smooth layer between two surfaces and reduce the amount of friction. Additionally, using smoother surfaces or reducing the weight of an object can also help reduce frictional force.

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