Help I dunno how to use coefficient

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 20 kg mass moving on a horizontal surface with an applied force of 150 N and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.10. Participants are tasked with calculating the force of friction, net force, and acceleration, as well as drawing a force diagram.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about calculating the required values and attempt to describe a force diagram. Questions arise regarding the application of the coefficient of friction and its relationship to the forces acting on the mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on how to incorporate the coefficient of friction into their calculations. Some have attempted to describe the forces involved but have not reached a consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a downward force of 200 N, which may be related to the weight of the mass, but the exact relationship and its implications for the frictional force are under discussion. Participants are also exploring the effects of different surfaces on friction.

theLHC
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Help... I don't know how to use coefficient!

Homework Statement


A 20 kg mass is moving along a horizontal surface. A 150 N force is applied to it. If the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.10, calculate
a) The force of friction
b)The net force
c)The acceleration
Draw a force diagram

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I don't know how to calculate a-c, but I attempted to draw a force diagram of it:

Since I cannot post it, i will describe how it looks:
A block is on the surface of the floor. It has a force of 200 N pushing down on the ground, and the push of 150 N pushing the object. The resulting force is 240 N, if measured by scale diagram. Thats about as far as I got. Please help...:cry:
 
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theLHC said:

Homework Statement


A 20 kg mass is moving along a horizontal surface. A 150 N force is applied to it. If the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.10, calculate
a) The force of friction
b)The net force
c)The acceleration
Draw a force diagram

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I don't know how to calculate a-c, but I attempted to draw a force diagram of it:

Since I cannot post it, i will describe how it looks:
A block is on the surface of the floor. It has a force of 200 N pushing down on the ground, and the push of 150 N pushing the object. The resulting force is 240 N, if measured by scale diagram. Thats about as far as I got. Please help...:cry:

The coefficient of friction will apply to the force between the block and the surface. And this would have a relationship with the 200N downward force. But it's effect would serve to retard the 150N horizontal force.
 


well how can you put this into a summation equation?
where does the friction coefficient go into the equation?
 


theLHC said:
well how can you put this into a summation equation?
where does the friction coefficient go into the equation?

What is the frictional force? Is it easier to drag a wooden box of books over the carpet or over an ice rink surface?

If the coefficient of friction applies to its downward force, what direction does it act.
 


well, i guess it acts in the downward direction?
 

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