Deceleration of an object due to friction

In summary, you would need to apply a force of 3.928N to move a 1kg object 200 meters with a friction coefficient of 0.4 over a horizontal surface.
  • #1
keyofdoor
4
0

Homework Statement


With how much force do I have to push a 1 kg object so that it goes 200 meters over a surface with a friction coefficient of 0.4?

Homework Equations


Kinematic Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I listed the variables I knew off the bat
mass = 1 kg
distance = 200 meters
friction coefficient = 0.4
gravity = 9.82

I found a frictional force of 3.928 (therefore a deceleration of 3.928)

Using the equation :

[tex] V_f ^2 = V_i ^2 + 2ad [/tex]
I put in :
[tex] 0 = V_i ^2 + 2(-3.928)* 200 [/tex]
and by basic algebra:
[tex] V_i = 39.638... [/tex]

And therefore you would need 39.638 Newtons of force to push a 1 kg object 200 meters with a friction coefficient of 0.4
I would like to know if this is correct and if not why am I wrong.
 
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  • #2
You found velocity, not a force.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this be work?
 
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  • #3
Lamebert said:
You found velocity, not a force.
Can you detail on how I find the force needed?
 
  • #4
keyofdoor said:
Can you detail on how I find the force needed?

I'm not really sure, actually. I can find the work needed to move it 200 meters, which is just the frictional force times distance. If you want to push it over those 200 meters, at a constant speed, you can use 3.92N of force over the 200 meters, but I don't think a minimal amount of force applied to move it over a distance is a valid question.

I don't think kinematics equations are relevant if the only forces causing motion are friction and the push force.
 
  • #5
Sorry, I needed to clarify more,
If I only give it one push, without touching it ever again. Not a constant push.
(I'm very new to physics so I'm going to make a lot of mistakes.)
 
  • #6
keyofdoor said:
Sorry, I needed to clarify more,
If I only give it one push, without touching it ever again. Not a constant push.
(I'm very new to physics so I'm going to make a lot of mistakes.)

Even so, the force is still applied over some distance.

I'd just wait until someone who is more intelligent than I am to come in. It seems like a really simple problem, just as far as I know this would make more sense as a work problem.
 
  • #7
You only need enough force to overcome static friction. Assuming it's a horizontal push, that's μsmg, your 3.928N. You appear to then divide that by the mass again to obtain 3.928ms-2, which you termed a 'deceleration'. I suppose you could consider it a deceleration in this sense: if there were no friction and you applied a horizontal force F then the acceleration would be a = F/m; the friction reduces that by 3.928ms-2.
But the answer to your question is just 3.928N. To cover 200m you just have to keep applying that force (or perhaps less if kinetic friction is lower).
 
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  • #8
I'm pretty sure that's the answer, so thank you. Sorry for confusing you Lamebert.
 

FAQ: Deceleration of an object due to friction

What is deceleration of an object due to friction?

Deceleration of an object due to friction is the decrease in speed or velocity of an object caused by the force of friction acting on it. Friction is a resistance force that opposes the motion of an object, and it can cause objects to slow down or come to a stop.

How does friction affect the deceleration of an object?

Friction affects the deceleration of an object by creating a force that acts in the opposite direction of the object's motion. This force reduces the object's speed and causes it to decelerate.

What factors influence the deceleration of an object due to friction?

The factors that influence the deceleration of an object due to friction include the type and roughness of the surfaces in contact, the weight or mass of the object, and the force applied to the object.

How is the deceleration of an object due to friction calculated?

The deceleration of an object due to friction can be calculated by dividing the force of friction by the mass of the object. The force of friction can be determined by multiplying the coefficient of friction (a constant value based on the surfaces in contact) by the normal force (the force perpendicular to the surface).

How can the deceleration of an object due to friction be reduced?

The deceleration of an object due to friction can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, to decrease the friction between surfaces. Additionally, using smoother surfaces or reducing the weight of the object can also decrease the deceleration caused by friction.

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