How Do You Calculate Frictional Force on a Block?

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mdawg467
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Homework Statement


A 3-lb horizontal force is applied to a 10-lb block on a rough horizontal surface. The block is initially at rest. If [itex]\mu[/itex]s is 0.5 and the [itex]\mu[/itex]k is 0.4, the frictional force on the block is?


Homework Equations


FN=mg
Fk=[itex]\mu[/itex]kFN
Fs,max=[itex]\mu[/itex]sFN


The Attempt at a Solution


I found [itex]\mu[/itex]s,max required to move the 10-lb block was 49.0 lb/ms^2..or approximately 22N.

Since the force being applied is 3-lb, or approximately 1.4N, then the frictional force must be equal to the force being applied correct?

Thanks.
 
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mdawg467 said:

Homework Statement


A 3-lb horizontal force is applied to a 10-lb block on a rough horizontal surface. The block is initially at rest. If [itex]\mu[/itex]s is 0.5 and the [itex]\mu[/itex]k is 0.4, the frictional force on the block is?


Homework Equations


FN=mg
Fk=[itex]\mu[/itex]kFN
Fs,max=[itex]\mu[/itex]sFN


The Attempt at a Solution


I found [itex]\mu[/itex]s,max required to move the 10-lb block was 49.0 lb/ms^2..or approximately 22N.

Since the force being applied is 3-lb, or approximately 1.4N, then the frictional force must be equal to the force being applied correct?

Thanks.

Sounds good - especially in America where apparently the pound is a unit of Force, not a unit of mass.
 
Thank you!
Yeah only here in America haha..