Calculate Friction & Acceleration of 2.5kg Block on Horizontal Floor

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In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the frictional force and acceleration of a 2.5 kg block being pushed along a horizontal floor by a force of 14 N at an angle of -36°. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the floor is given as 0.15. The conversation includes a discussion of relevant equations and the use of a free body diagram to determine the forces acting on the block. It is suggested to use the equation F_f = μ_kN to calculate the force of friction, and to solve for friction before finding acceleration.
  • #1
randybrent
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Friction No Clue!

A 2.5 kg block is pushed along a horizontal floor by a force of magnitude 14 N at an angle = -36° with the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the floor is 0.15. Calculate the magnitudes of (a) the frictional force on the block from the floor and (b) the block's acceleration.

Any help would be welcomed.
 
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  • #2
C'mon, you have to have some clue!
What equations might be relevent?
What do you know?
What are you looking for?
 
  • #3
14n cos 36 - .15 =11.17 n ?

11.17/3.5= 3.19 m/s^2 ?
 
  • #4
First of all, no.
Second of all, I meant equations as in symbols.
like this:

v=x/t
x=123
t=.456

But yours is trickier. But not impossible:wink: .
 
  • #5
randybrent said:
A 2.5 kg block is pushed along a horizontal floor by a force of magnitude 14 N at an angle = -36° with the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the floor is 0.15. Calculate the magnitudes of (a) the frictional force on the block from the floor and (b) the block's acceleration.

Any help would be welcomed.

It helps to draw a FBD(free body diagram) of the block and write all the forces acting on it. I see 4 different forces, can you? (One of the force is at an angle, so that can be broken up into x and y components)
 
  • #6
w
i
l
l
uk -------------------- 14 cos 36
l
l
l
mg 14 sin 36

does this look right?
 
  • #7
Ummm... I don't get it.

About the equations...
you're looking for the force of friction.
The force of kinetic friction is given by the equaiton [tex]F_f=\mu_kN[/tex]
What do you know?
What are you looking for?
What do you still need to know?
Is there another equation you could use to find that?
 
  • #8
i don't know enough i guess
 
  • #9
Ff= .15*2.5kg*9.8= 3.675n ?
 
  • #10
OK, you're getting there.
Unfortunately, in this case N doesn't equal mg, even though it often does.
Use [tex] \Sigma F_y=ma=0[/tex], and notice that the force of the push has a y component.
 
  • #11
a= [.15*14sin36*9.8*2.5] /2.5 ?
 
  • #12
Look, Randy, can you do me a favor?
Don't just show me the numbers; state the equation symbolically first.

Also, I highly suggest that you solve for friction before looking for acceleration--you can't find acceleration without knowing the force of friction.
 
  • #13
i give up thank you for your time
 

FAQ: Calculate Friction & Acceleration of 2.5kg Block on Horizontal Floor

How do I calculate the friction force on a 2.5kg block on a horizontal floor?

To calculate the friction force, you will need to know the coefficient of friction between the block and the floor, as well as the normal force acting on the block. The formula for friction force is Ff = μN, where μ is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force. The normal force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the block (2.5kg) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

What is the formula for calculating acceleration of a 2.5kg block on a horizontal floor?

The formula for calculating acceleration is a = Fnet/m, where Fnet is the net force acting on the block and m is the mass of the block. In this case, the net force is equal to the difference between the applied force (such as pushing the block) and the friction force. So the formula for acceleration would be a = (F - μN)/m, where F is the applied force.

How do I determine the coefficient of friction between the block and the floor?

The coefficient of friction can be determined by conducting a simple experiment. First, place the block on the horizontal floor and gradually increase the applied force until the block starts to move. Measure the applied force and the normal force (using a scale) at this point. Then use the formula μ = Ff/N to calculate the coefficient of friction.

What factors can affect the friction and acceleration of the block on the floor?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by the type of surface (smooth or rough), the weight and surface area of the block, and any lubricants used. The acceleration of the block can also be affected by the applied force, the mass of the block, and the coefficient of friction.

How can I use the calculated friction and acceleration to improve the movement of the block?

By understanding the relationship between friction, acceleration, and the factors that can affect them, you can make adjustments to the surface or weight of the block to reduce friction and increase acceleration. You can also use lubricants to decrease friction and increase the speed of the block. Additionally, understanding the calculations can help you make more informed decisions about the amount of force needed to move the block efficiently.

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