The magnitude of the force of friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of frictional force using the equation Ff = μ x mg, where μ represents the friction coefficient and mg is the weight of the object. A participant clarifies that this equation applies specifically to gravitational force and emphasizes that the force applied to the object must be considered instead. The conversation also highlights two strategies for solving related physics problems: one involving acceleration derived from applied force and the other utilizing work and kinetic energy principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of friction and friction coefficients
  • Knowledge of work and kinetic energy principles
  • Basic algebra for solving equations of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of Newton's second law of motion
  • Explore the calculation of friction coefficients in various materials
  • Learn about the work-energy theorem and its applications in physics
  • Investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in different scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction and motion in classical mechanics.

Anon1456
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Anon1456 said:
Ff = μ x mg??
I am not an expert but I believe that equation only applies to gravity. It would be mu (the friction coefficient) times the force applied to the box (which, because your mass is 1 in this case, is equal to the acceleration before friction). The g you used in your post, that is equal to 9.81 m/s^2 is calculated from Newton's equation F=GM/r^2. That is not the force being applied to the box. I hope that helps!
 
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By box I meant the object. I ususually think of these objects as boxes.
 
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Anon1456 said:
Not sure what formula to use.

Net force equals mass times acceleration.
 
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Mister T said:
Net force equals mass times acceleration.
There are two general strategies that can be used to solve this exercise.

One uses the starting point that Mister T suggests -- Express acceleration in terms of the applied force. If you can solve the equations of motion for the acceleration, you can extract the force from that.

The other uses the notion of work and kinetic energy. You are told the distance covered and you can compute the energy that must be lost...
 
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