Physics help -- pushing a refrigerator across a wooden floor

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the force needed to push a refrigerator across a wooden floor, the sliding friction force is determined by multiplying the normal force (2000N) by the coefficient of friction (0.2), resulting in a minimum push force of 400N. When lifting the refrigerator into a truck, Joe would need to apply a force equal to the gravitational force, which is 2000N. If using a ramp, he can calculate the minimum force required by considering the angle of the ramp and the component of gravitational force acting along the ramp. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding friction and gravitational forces in practical scenarios. Overall, the calculations and concepts discussed are crucial for successfully moving the refrigerator.
mememe1245
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I did attempt the problem, but I' now more confused than ever. Please help me.

Joe is moving his refrigerator to take to college and he begins by pushing it across
the wooden kitchen floor.

On a flat surface like the floor, how do you calculate how hard he needs to push?

Draw a free body diagram to help explain your answer and use the simulation Ramp:
Force and Motion to check your ideas.
1.Record the minimum force Joe would have
to use to move the refrigerator on the kitchen floor.

2. Later, Joe is ready to load his refrigerator onto the moving truck.

a. Explain how he would calculate how much force to use to lift the refrigerator straight
up into a truck.b. Joe starts thinking about easier ways to get it in the truck and remembers he has

some wood that he could use to make a ramp. How could he calculate the minimum

force needed to push it up the ramp?
-------------
Sorry I've been stuck on this for an hour :(

By using these...:
(kinetic/ sliding) mu=0.2
mass= 200kg
Normal Force= 2000N
 
Last edited:
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Do you know the refrigerator's mass?
 
200 kg
 
So, first you would calculate the gravitational pull: G=gm, where g=9.8m/s
 
lightbender said:
So, first you would calculate the gravitational pull: G=gm, where g=9.8m/s

G= 200kg * 9.8m/s^2 = 1960N?
 
Oh, wait! I did not see that you changed your original thread!
Actually, first since the normal force is 2000N, the gravitational force is also 2000N.
 
lightbender said:
Oh, wait! I did not see that you changed your original thread!
Actually, first since the normal force is 2000N, the gravitational force is also 2000N.

Okay...
 
Then, to find the sliding friction force, you would do: Sliding=normal force x mu
 
lightbender said:
Then, to find the sliding friction force, you would do: Sliding=normal force x mu
so, mu=force of friction/ force of Newton, right?
 
  • #10
mu is .2 from your original thread!
 
  • #11
lightbender said:
mu is .2 from your original thread!
Okay, I understand that mu = .2 and g= 2000N. What I don't understand is how to solve the problem.
 
  • #12
So, you just multiply them together resulting in the numerical value for sliding friction
 
  • #13
lightbender said:
So, you just multiply them together resulting in the numerical value for sliding friction
Ohhh...Waw! Thank u!
 
  • #14
The sliding friction answer is the equivalent to the minimum force needed to push the refrigerator! (answer in Newtons)
And Your Welcome!
Bye!
 
  • Like
Likes mememe1245
  • #15
lightbender said:
The sliding friction answer is the equivalent to the minimum force needed to push the refrigerator! (answer in Newtons)
And Your Welcome!
Bye!
Sorry...can I have more help with just two more questions? Please.
 
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