Will the Farmer Move the Stubborn Mule?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a 120 kg mule that the farmer attempts to move by applying a force of 800 N. The static friction force, calculated using the coefficient of static friction (μs = 0.8), is determined to be 940.8 N, which exceeds the farmer's pulling force. Therefore, the conclusion is that the farmer cannot move the mule. This problem is sourced from Knight's physics textbook, commonly used in introductory physics courses.

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  • Understanding of static and kinetic friction coefficients
  • Basic knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving force, mass, and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concept of normal force in physics
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  • Study the principles of static and kinetic friction in detail
  • Learn how to calculate normal force in various scenarios
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of force and friction in real-world scenarios.

ideefixem
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Homework Statement



A stubborn 120 kg mule sits down and refuses to move. To drag the mule to the barn, the exasperated farmer ties a rope around the mule and pulls with his maximum force of 800 N. The coefficients of friction between the mule and the ground are mu,s = 0.8 and mu,k = 0.5. Is the farmer able to move the mule?

The attempt at a solution

friction=μs(normal force)
friction=0.8(120kg)
friction=120(9.8)(.8)
frictionS=940.8
940.8N>800N

The farmer will not be able to get the mule to move.


Does this look correct?
 
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Looks good to me. By the way, is this problem from Knight's book? I know I remember it from somewhere...
 
Haha, quite the memory. Yep, taken right from the book.
 
ideefixem said:
Haha, quite the memory. Yep, taken right from the book.

I tutor intro physics and they use that book at my university, so I must have done it recently at a tutoring session. So, my memory isn't that great.:rolleyes:
 

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