Physics. Gr.11. Kinetic Friction.

[Kazia]

Homework Statement

A force of 25N accelerates a 9.0 kg wagon at 1.5 m/s². Calculate the coefficient of the kinetic friction.

Homework Equations

F_f=M_kF_N
^^Or at least I think so.

The Attempt at a Solution

What does the coefficient of the kinetic friction mean first off?
I honestly have no clue how to go about this question.

 

[Delphi51]

Welcome to PF, Kazia!

The coefficient of friction is the Mk in Ff=Mk*FN, the formula for finding the force of friction if you know the "normal force" pushing an object against another surface. Quite often the greek letter μ is used instead of Mk. There are two values for the coefficient, a smaller one for kinetic (moving) friction and a larger one for "static" friction (when the object is not moving).

Your problem is basically and F = ma problem, but also has the force of friction subtracting away some of the applied F.