How Do Friction and Human Force Affect Work Done on a Box?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by friction and a woman pushing a box with a mass of 45 kg and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.60. The woman applies a force of 539 N to accelerate the box to a speed of 2 m/s. Key equations used include W = F (Δ x) and kinematic equations for motion. Participants emphasize the importance of free body diagrams in visualizing forces and solving mechanics problems effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with work-energy principles
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the net force acting on the box using Newton's second law
  • Learn how to derive work done by friction using W = F_friction * Δ x
  • Explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in mechanics
  • Practice drawing free body diagrams for various mechanical systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking effective teaching strategies for illustrating force interactions.

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Homework Statement



A box of mass 45 kg is initially at rest on a flat floor. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the floor is 0.60. A woman pushes horizontally against the box with a force of 539 N until the box attains a speed of 2 m/s.

What is the CM-work done by the friction force on the box?

What is the work done by the woman on the box?


Homework Equations



W= F (Δ x)


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried solving for delta x by using force and mass to calculate for acceleration and then acceleration, Vo and Vf to find d (which I thought was Δ x) with the equation vf^2 = vo^2 + 2(a) d but I got the wrong answer
 
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gcharles_42 said:

Homework Statement



A box of mass 45 kg is initially at rest on a flat floor. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the floor is 0.60. A woman pushes horizontally against the box with a force of 539 N until the box attains a speed of 2 m/s.

What is the CM-work done by the friction force on the box?

What is the work done by the woman on the box?


Homework Equations



W= F (Δ x)


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried solving for delta x by using force and mass to calculate for acceleration and then acceleration, Vo and Vf to find d (which I thought was Δ x) with the equation vf^2 = vo^2 + 2(a) d but I got the wrong answer

You should get in the habit of drawing a free body diagram. They can basically solve the entire problem for you most of the time.

If you do that, you will notice there are multiple forces at work here!
 
Zondrina said:
You should get in the habit of drawing a free body diagram. They can basically solve the entire problem for you most of the time.

If you do that, you will notice there are multiple forces at work here!

This. Free body diagrams are the best thing that ever happened to intro mechanics.
 
Always show your work so we can tell you where it went wrong.
 

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