What is the role of the coefficient of friction in solving this problem?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the role of the coefficient of friction in a physics problem involving forces acting on a box. The user has created a Free Body Diagram, identifying the weights and pulling force but is unclear about applying the coefficient of friction. They suggest starting by calculating the frictional force (Ff) to determine the effective horizontal force. Clarification is sought on how to incorporate the coefficient of friction into the solution. The conversation highlights the importance of friction in analyzing the forces at play in the problem.
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1. Here is the problem http://i.imgur.com/WH0Z4ko.png


So I've set up a Free Body Diagram and I think I have it right. I have the two Forces of Weight (8.82N and 21.27N), the force of 12.8 that is pulling the .9kg box, and then the Force Normal (just the opposites of the two Forces of Weight). I didn't really understand how the prof. was using the coefficient of friction in the problem and I'm not sure how to start with this problem.
 
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I would start by finding the Ff
then you can see how much force is actually being applied horizontally at any given direction
 
462chevelle said:
I would start by finding the Ff
then you can see how much force is actually being applied horizontally at any given direction

Thanks!
 
did you figure it out?
 

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