What is the magnitude of the frictional force?

In summary, the person is pushing with a force of 220N on a 40kg crate with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.35. The frictional force can be determined by multiplying the coefficient by the normal force, which is the weight of the crate (40kg * 9.81m/s^2), resulting in a frictional force of 137.94N. If the force is not strictly horizontal, an additional normal force would need to be taken into account.
  • #1
soul5
64
0

Homework Statement



A person pushes with force of 220N on a 40 kg create. The coefficent of kinetic friction of 0.35. What is the magnitude of the frictional force?



Homework Equations




Ff = uN


The Attempt at a Solution




so do I just go

Ff = 0.35*(40kg)(9.81m/s^2)


Is that it?


What is the 220 Force for?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


soul5 said:

Homework Statement



A person pushes with force of 220N on a 40 kg create. The coefficent of kinetic friction of 0.35. What is the magnitude of the frictional force?

Homework Equations


Ff = uN

The Attempt at a Solution


so do I just go

Ff = 0.35*(40kg)(9.81m/s^2)

Is that it?
What is the 220 Force for?

As stated it seems to be. But what if the force had been just 100N? The frictional force would only have been 100N then wouldn't it? The point is that the crate is being pushed with sufficient force to involve kinetic friction.

Now if the force is not strictly horizontal, then there is the additional normal component that would also need to be taken into account to determine the frictional force.
 
  • #3


What direction is the 200 N applied to the crate?
 
  • #4


Dr.D said:
What direction is the 200 N applied to the crate?

strictly horizontal why do you ask?
 
  • #5


Any angle would mean that there would be an additional normal force that would need to be accounted for. It would be the normal component of the force that would then be added to its weight and multiplied by μ.
 

1. What is friction and how does it affect objects?

Friction is a force that acts between two surfaces in contact and opposes the motion or attempted motion of an object. It can cause objects to slow down, stop, or change direction.

2. How is the magnitude of frictional force determined?

The magnitude of frictional force is determined by the type of surfaces in contact, the force pressing the surfaces together, and the roughness of the surfaces.

3. What factors can affect the magnitude of frictional force?

The factors that can affect the magnitude of frictional force include the type of surface materials, the force pressing the surfaces together, the roughness of the surfaces, and the presence of any lubricants.

4. How does the magnitude of frictional force impact an object's motion?

The magnitude of frictional force can impact an object's motion by either slowing it down or preventing it from moving altogether. It also determines how much energy is required to overcome the force and move the object.

5. Can the magnitude of frictional force be reduced or eliminated?

The magnitude of frictional force can be reduced by using lubricants, choosing smoother surface materials, and reducing the force pressing the surfaces together. It cannot be completely eliminated as it is a natural force that occurs between surfaces in contact.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
728
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
916
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
965
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
614
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
655
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top