How to find applied force when given force of friction (constant velocity)

In summary, the problem asks how much force each of the five 30kg dogs must exert to pull a 250kg sled with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.14 at a constant velocity. Using the equation F{k}=μ*F{n} and substitution of normal force (equal to gravitational force) as mass multiplied by gravity, the force due to friction is found to be 549N. However, this would require each dog to pull with 110N of force, which does not match the given answer of 78.4N. It is possible that there is a typo in the problem statement or a mistake in the given answer. Further clarification is needed.
  • #1
HelloImAsh
7
0

Homework Statement


Five dogs, each having a mass of 30kg, pull a 250kg sled horizontally across the snow (coefficient of kinetic friction = 0.14).
How much force must each dog exert in order to move the sled at a constant velocity?

Homework Equations


Force of kinetic friction = coefficient of kinetic friction*normal force
Rewritten, the equation above would be F{k}=μ*F{n}
Also, normal force = gravitational force = mass*gravity

The Attempt at a Solution


F{k}=μ*F{n}
=0.14*m*g
=0.14*400kg*9.8N/kg
=549N
Therefore each dog would have to pull with 549/5=110N of force in order for the sled to move at constant velocity.

The problem is, in my workbook it shows that the answer should be 78.4N. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks :smile:
 
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  • #2
400kg? The force due to friction is based on the mass of the sled. Not sled + dogs.
 
  • #3
lewando said:
400kg? The force due to friction is based on the mass of the sled. Not sled + dogs.

Tried it that way. Doesn't work out right either.
 
  • #4
Typo? (250kg*9.8m/s2*0.16)/5 = 78.4N
 
  • #5
I agree with lewando.

If the problem statement is correct then answer should be..

250kg*9.8m/s2*0.14/5 = 68.7N

Has to be a typo somewhere.
 

1. What is applied force?

Applied force is the external force that is applied to an object in a specific direction to cause it to move or change its motion. It can be exerted by pushing, pulling, or any other means.

2. How is applied force related to force of friction in constant velocity?

In a situation where an object is moving at a constant velocity, the applied force is equal and opposite to the force of friction. This means that the applied force is just enough to overcome the frictional force and keep the object moving at a constant speed.

3. What factors affect the calculation of applied force when given force of friction (constant velocity)?

The main factors that affect the calculation of applied force are the coefficient of friction, the mass of the object, and the surface it is moving on. The coefficient of friction is a measure of how much friction is present between two surfaces, and it varies depending on the materials involved. The mass of the object affects the amount of force needed to overcome the friction, and the surface it is moving on can also affect the frictional force.

4. How can I calculate the applied force when given the force of friction in constant velocity?

To calculate the applied force, you can use the formula F = μmg, where F is the applied force, μ is the coefficient of friction, m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. You can also rearrange the formula to solve for any of the variables if the others are known.

5. How does the direction of applied force affect the force of friction in constant velocity?

The direction of applied force does not affect the force of friction in constant velocity. As long as the applied force is equal and opposite to the force of friction, the object will continue to move at a constant speed. However, if the applied force is greater or less than the force of friction, the object's speed will change.

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