Calculate Coefficient of Friction for 41N Bookcase on Ground

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the coefficient of friction for a 41N bookcase accelerating at 0.25 m/s², the normal force equals the weight of the bookcase, which is 41N. The equation F = ma can be used to determine the net force acting on the bookcase. The discussion highlights the need for an applied force to find the coefficient of friction, as the problem lacks sufficient information. Participants express confusion over the problem's completeness and suggest deriving a general solution for the coefficient of friction based on available data. Ultimately, the coefficient of friction cannot be determined without additional information about the applied force.
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Homework Statement


what is the coefficient of friction between a 41N bookcase and the groud, when the bookcase accelerates at .25m/s2?


Homework Equations



F=ma Forcefriction=μ*force normal

The Attempt at a Solution


a=.25 m=41 μ=? I have absolutly no idea what i am doing
 
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The problem statement appears to be incomplete. Is the bookcase sliding down a slope? Were you given a coefficient of friction?
 
I have to find the coefficient of friction between the bookcase and the ground, this is all that I was given, there is no angle. I am assuming that this is a flat surface.
 
Are you told the force that's being applied to move the bookcase horizontally? Because I really can't think of any method to find the coefficient of friction between two surfaces just with the normal force (weight in Newtons, for a flat surface with no external vertical forces acting) and relative acceleration between the surfaces.
 
the problem up above is all that I have, oh well my teacher has given us impossible problems before maybe this is another >.<
 
That strikes me as rather odd. I mean you could attempt to find a general solution for \mu in terms of the data you have. Since you have a gravitational force (which equals the normal force) and can use it to derive the mass of the bookcase, that allows you to calculate that the net force on the object is m * anet = m * (aapplied force - \mug * â)
 
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