Calculating Frictional Force & Normal Force: Coeff of Friction

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In summary, a force of 10N is applied downward at an angle of 30 deg with respect to the horizontal on a block with a mass of 2kg. The block remains stationary due to friction between the block and the floor. The magnitude of the normal force acting on the block is 24.6N. The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block is 8.7N, calculated using the coefficient of friction of 0.8 and the free body diagram.
  • #1
cugirl
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Homework Statement


A force of 10N is applied downward at an angle of 30 deg with respect to the horizontal on a block. There is friction between the block and the floor and the block remains stationary. M=2kg
(a) What is the magnitude of the normal force acting on the block?

(b) The coefficient of friction between the floor and block is μ = 0.8. What is the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block?

Homework Equations


Fn = mg + 10sin30
Fn(mu) = Fk

The Attempt at a Solution


I got part A -- Fn = mg + 10sin30 = 19.6 + 5.0 = 24.6

But for part B, I thought it would be 24.6*.8 = 19.7, but according to the answer key, it should be 8.7.
 
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  • #2
The block is stationary on the floor so the sum of the horizontal forces must equal 0. So draw the free body diagram along with the horizontal forces acting on it.
 
  • #3
So, Fμ = 10 cos 30 ?
 
  • #4
Correct.
 

FAQ: Calculating Frictional Force & Normal Force: Coeff of Friction

What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless constant that represents the amount of friction between two surfaces in contact. It is denoted by the symbol μ.

How is the coefficient of friction calculated?

The coefficient of friction can be calculated by dividing the force of friction by the normal force. It can also be determined experimentally by measuring the force required to move an object across a surface divided by the weight of the object.

What is the relationship between frictional force and normal force?

The frictional force is directly proportional to the normal force. This means that as the normal force increases, so does the frictional force. This relationship is described by the equation Ff = μFN.

What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is affected by the nature of the surfaces in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants. It is also dependent on the normal force and can vary with temperature.

How is the coefficient of friction used in real-world applications?

The coefficient of friction is used in many engineering and physics applications, such as designing tires for vehicles, determining the stopping distance of a car, and calculating the force needed to move objects on different surfaces. It is also important in industries that require the movement of heavy objects, such as construction and manufacturing.

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