What horizontal force is required to accelerate the block

AI Thread Summary
To accelerate a 4.0 kg block at 5.0 m/s² on a surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.25, a total horizontal force must be calculated. The net force required for acceleration is 20 N, derived from the equation ΣF = ma. The frictional force, calculated as Fk = μ * N, equals 9.8 N. Therefore, the total force needed to overcome friction and achieve the desired acceleration is 29.8 N. This calculation confirms the necessary force to move the block effectively.
a7med2009
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A block of mass 4.0kg rests on a horizontal surface. What horizontal force is required to accelerate the block at 5.0m/s2 if the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.25?
 
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start with writing a free body diagram.
& any equations you may know that you think would be useful here.
 


ΣF=ma

Fk=mu * N
 


ma=4.0kg*5.0m/s^2
=20 N
Fk= 0.25 * 20
= 5 NIs it correct?
 


so, how much force do you need to apply in order to overcome the frictional force?
 


ΣF=F-fk=mg
F=mg-fk
=(4.0)*(9.8)-(0.25)(39.2)
=29.4 N
 


In your last post, you've got a vertical force (mg) and a horizontal force (fk) in the same equation. Not allowed.

In your previous post, you found the frictional force's maximum value. You also found that in order to accelerate at 5m/s/s, you need 20 Newtons of NET force.

So how much TOTAL force must be applied (horizontally) to overcome friction and give the block enough force to accelerate?
 
Last edited:


ohh 0_o

it's
ΣF=F-fk=ma
F=ma+fk
=(4.0)*(5)+(0.25)(39.2)
=20+9.8
=29.8 N
 


looks correct to me
 
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