The magnitude of the force of friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the magnitude of the force of friction in a physics context, particularly focusing on the relationship between friction, mass, and acceleration. Participants are exploring the relevant equations and concepts related to frictional force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the application of the friction formula Ff = μ x mg and discussing the role of the applied force versus gravitational force. There are mentions of different strategies for approaching the problem, including using Newton's second law and concepts of work and kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with various interpretations being explored. Some participants are providing insights into the relationships between forces and motion, while others express uncertainty about the appropriate formulas to use. Guidance has been offered regarding different strategies for solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific conditions such as the mass of the object being considered and the distance covered, which may influence the calculations. Participants are also reflecting on their understanding of the concepts involved.

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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