How does accelerating an object affect the force of friction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between acceleration and the force of friction for an object moving on a horizontal platform. It is established that the force of friction, defined by the equation F_friction = Coefficient of friction × Normal Force, remains constant when transitioning from constant velocity to uniform acceleration. This is because both the coefficient of friction and the normal force do not change under these conditions. Therefore, the assertion that the force of friction decreases during acceleration is incorrect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of kinetic friction
  • Knowledge of the coefficient of friction
  • Basic principles of normal force in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Newton's second law of motion
  • Explore the effects of different materials on the coefficient of friction
  • Investigate the role of normal force in various physical scenarios
  • Learn about static versus kinetic friction and their implications in real-world applications
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion and friction in mechanical systems.

M_of_A_v_T
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If an object on a horizontal platform is moving at a constant velocity of 10m/s, and then begins to accelerate, what happens to the force of friction?

Some people are telling me that the force of friction decreases and therefore the object accelerates...

HOWEVEr..

force of friction = Coefficient of friction ( Normal Force)

Going from constant velocity to acceleration doesn't affect any of the variables in that equation..

Coefficient of friction is a constant that depends on the two materials, which remain constant, and Normal force is the same because the object is still on a horizontal platform. Therefore, going from constant velocity to uniform acceleration should not affect the force of friction should remain constant...Am I wrong?
 
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M_of_A_v_T said:
Therefore, going from constant velocity to uniform acceleration should not affect the force of friction should remain constant...Am I wrong?
You are correct. (At least within the standard model of kinetic friction.)
 

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