Solving a Warehouse Puzzle: The 20 Kg Crate

  • Thread starter Thread starter ForceFysics
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Puzzle
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the physics problem of determining the minimum horizontal force required to initiate movement of a 20 Kg wooden crate on a wooden floor, given a static friction coefficient (Ms) of 0.58. The solution involves applying Newton's laws, specifically using the equation for static friction (Ff = Ms * N) to find the force needed to overcome static friction, resulting in a force of 113.7 N. Once the crate is in motion, the force required to maintain constant velocity depends on the coefficient of kinetic friction, which was not provided in the problem statement, thus leaving that part unsolved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of static and kinetic friction coefficients
  • Ability to perform basic calculations involving force, mass, and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concept of net force and equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the coefficient of kinetic friction for wooden surfaces
  • Study the application of Newton's first law in static and dynamic scenarios
  • Learn how to calculate forces in systems with multiple objects
  • Explore real-world applications of friction in material science
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of friction and force calculations in practical scenarios.

ForceFysics
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 20 Kg Wooden crate rests on the wooden floor of a warehouse. What is the minimum horizontal force which must be exerted on the crate to get it to start sliding across the floor? Once it starts to move, how much force is needed to keep the crate moving at constant velocity?

m= 20 Kg
Ms=.58


Homework Equations


Ff=ma F=ma F=mg+ma
Ff=,58(20 x 9.8) 113.7=20a F=20(9.8)+20(5.7)
Ff=113.7 a=5.7 F=310N


The Attempt at a Solution



Above ^^. I do not know if my force is correct and how to find the constant velocity part!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ForceFysics said:

Homework Statement


A 20 Kg Wooden crate rests on the wooden floor of a warehouse. What is the minimum horizontal force which must be exerted on the crate to get it to start sliding across the floor? Once it starts to move, how much force is needed to keep the crate moving at constant velocity?

m= 20 Kg
Ms=.58


Homework Equations


Ff=ma F=ma F=mg+ma
Ff=,58(20 x 9.8) 113.7=20a F=20(9.8)+20(5.7)
Ff=113.7 a=5.7 F=310N


The Attempt at a Solution



Above ^^. I do not know if my force is correct and how to find the constant velocity part!
Welcome to PF, ForceFysics!

Your problem statement is missing the coefficient of kinetic friction.
If a body is at rest or moving at constant velocity, it has no acceleration, and thus, there is no net force acting on it (F_net = ma = 0). Use Newton 1 and the static friction coefficient when solving for part a, and use Newton 1 and the kinetic friction coefficient when solving for part b. The problem does not ask for the magnitude of the constant velocity, which is not solvable without more information.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K