Work done by kinetic friction force without coefficient?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the work done by kinetic friction when a box is pulled with a force of 45 N, resulting in an acceleration of 2 m/s² over a distance of 8 meters. The participant successfully calculated the work done by the applied force as 360 J but struggled with the work done by kinetic friction, initially miscalculating it. Through clarification, it was determined that the net force acting on the box must be considered, leading to the correct frictional force calculation. Ultimately, the participant realized that the work done by friction could be found by subtracting the work done by friction from the work done by the applied force. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding net forces and the relationship between applied force, friction, and acceleration.
Jessica Sweet
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Homework Statement


A person pulls a box (m=10 kg) horizontally with +2m/s2 acceleration by applying 45 N force. The displacement of the box is 8 meters from initial position.
a) How much work is done by applied force?
b) How much work is done by kinetic frictional force?

Homework Equations


Wf = Fcosθs
F=ma
Wfk = -Fks ?
Fk = μN ?

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for part a, which was 360J.
I don't know how to solve for part b, which it seems like I would need the friction coefficient?
I tried Wfk = -(10)(2)(8) = -160 J, but that is incorrect.
How do I find Fk to solve for the work done by friction?
 
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Answer this question: How much of the applied force is used to accelerate the box?
 
Um, 45 N of force was applied to it. Would force of kinetic friction be -45 N then? Or am I just getting myself confused?
 
Jack has a point.
Yes, you applied 45 N,
but apparently that's not the force used to accelerate the box since its mass is 10 Kg and its accelerations is 2 m / s / s. The net force is what you should be looking at. Rethink. :):)
 
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\sum F = ma
F_{total} - F_{friction} = ma
 
Write Newton's second law for the box.
 
Alright, so Ftotal = 45 N, I am looking for frictional force, and ma = 20.
45-Ffk = 20
Ffk=25
Then I have Wfk = -(25)(8) = -200 J?
Is this the correct answer?
 
Look again at your OP and you already found 360 J and 160 J. How does your 200 J fits in there?

Just for the fun of it, can you find the coefficient of friction?
 
Are you saying I could have subtracted the 160 from 360? What value does the 160 J represent that I solved for? Gosh, I feel stupid.
 
  • #10
Never mind, I got it all covered. My brain is working again. It's amazing what stress can do to the brain. Thanks for the help everybody.
 
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