What is the coefficient of friction between surface and the mass?

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SUMMARY

The coefficient of friction between a 50 kg mass and a horizontal surface is calculated using a horizontal force of 4.08 x 10^6 dynes. The formula used is Ff = u * mg, where Ff is the frictional force, u is the coefficient of friction, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The correct approach involves converting dynes to Newtons and ensuring consistent units are used. The final calculation yields a coefficient of friction of approximately 8.32 x 10^-5.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of friction
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, specifically from dynes to Newtons
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Study the principles of friction and its coefficients in physics
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yss83
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Homework Statement


A mass of 50 kg is kept in uniform motion along a horizontal surface by a horizontal force of 4.08x10^6 dynes. What is the coefficient of friction between surface and the mass?


Homework Equations


(I searched previous answered questions and found this)
Ff= u * mg


The Attempt at a Solution


Our teacher hasn't actually started with our friction topic yet, but she always makes us do these assignments beforehand so we come "prepared" to her lectures. But I have no idea how to start. So I tried this, but I think it's incorrect.

4.08 x 10 ^ 6 dyn / (50 kg * 9.8 m/s^2) = 8326.531

Coefficients aren't supposed to be that big, right? So I tried converting. This is really embarrassing, but I'm not familiar with dyn so I had to look for its conversion factor to meters.

40.8 m / (50000 g * 9.8 m/s^2) = 8.32 x 10 ^-5

Even just clearing out the dyn thing would be great. I mean, if the values I used are correct? :) Thanks.
 
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Hi yss83, welcome to PF.
Convert dyne to Newton.
Keep mass in kg, and g in m/s^2.
Now find u.
 

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