Solving for friction with only acceleration

In summary, the problem involves a person on a train with an acceleration of 0.2 g and the minimum coefficient of static friction needed for their shoes to not move on the train's base. The equations used are F=MA and F= mew * normal force, but with only the given acceleration, there are too many variables to solve the problem. However, if the mass is represented as 'm', the normal force can be calculated to find the minimum coefficient of static friction.
  • #1
wmdavid
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Homework Statement



You are on a train accelerating at .2g; what is the minimum coefficient of static friction that your shoes have to have with the base of the train in order to not move?

You are only given the acceleration of the train. Not your mass or the natural force.


Homework Equations



F=MA, F= mew * natural force


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried approaching it from several diffrent angles, looking it as F=MA and F= mew * natural force, but with only the acceleration, I do not see a way to solve the problem. Their are just too many variables. If I knew the mass of the person, I could easily solve it, by dividing the force by the natural force, but you aren't givin that.
 
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  • #2
What you call 'natural force' should be the normal force. You don't need the actual mass--just call it 'm' and see what happens. How do you calculate the normal force in this situation?
 

1. How do you solve for friction with only acceleration?

To solve for friction with only acceleration, you can use the formula F = ma, where F is the force of friction, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. Rearrange the formula to solve for F, which will give you the value of friction.

2. Can you solve for friction without knowing the coefficient of friction?

No, the coefficient of friction is an important factor in calculating friction. It is the ratio of the force of friction to the normal force, and without it, you cannot accurately determine the value of friction.

3. What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents an object from moving when a force is applied to it. Kinetic friction is the force that acts on an object when it is already in motion. The coefficient of static friction is typically higher than the coefficient of kinetic friction.

4. How does the surface area of an object affect friction?

The surface area of an object does not directly affect friction. However, it can indirectly affect it by affecting the normal force. The greater the surface area, the greater the normal force, which can in turn increase the force of friction.

5. Can friction be negative?

No, friction is always a positive force. It acts in the opposite direction of motion and is always present when there is contact between two surfaces. If a calculation results in a negative value for friction, it means that the direction of motion is opposite to what was assumed.

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