Please help me with this physics problem on static friction

In summary, the problem involves a crate being carried in a pickup truck and coming to a stop with uniform acceleration. The question asks for the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the truck bed. By drawing a force diagram and using Newton's laws, the solution involves finding the force of the box due to acceleration and using the equation (Force of friction)=(normal force)(static coefficient) to determine the coefficient of static friction.
  • #1
redhawks
6
0
I am pretty sure the answer might be A. Can someone help by showing the work needed to solve the problem. It would be greatly appreciated

Homework Statement



A crate is carried in a pickup truck traveling horizontally at 15.0 m/s. The truck applies the brakes for distance at 28.7 m while stopping with uniform acceleration. What is the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the truck bed, if the crate does not slide?

Homework Equations



A. 0.400
B. 0.365
C. 0.892
D. 0.656

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not really sure how to start
 
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  • #2
Hi redhawks,

redhawks said:
I am pretty sure the answer might be A. Can someone help by showing the work needed to solve the problem. It would be greatly appreciated

Homework Statement



A crate is carried in a pickup truck traveling horizontally at 15.0 m/s. The truck applies the brakes for distance at 28.7 m while stopping with uniform acceleration. What is the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the truck bed, if the crate does not slide?

Homework Equations



A. 0.400
B. 0.365
C. 0.892
D. 0.656

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not really sure how to start


Draw a force diagram for the crate by itself, showing all forces that act on it directly and its acceleration. Then use Newton's laws to get two equations, one for the horizontal force components and one for the vertical force components.
 
  • #3
Thanks, but i know to do the FBD. I think the distance part throws me off. If someone can go through the steps, it would really help me out.
 
  • #4
i arrived at solution a also... although i can't give you a written out explanation, i can try to point you in the write direction...

a good first step is to draw out that FBD... for y components you should see you have the weight of the box (downward) and the normal force on the bottom of the box (upward). the x components should show the force of the box due to the acceleration (to the right), and the force friction countering the force of the box (to the left)

you need to figure out the force of the box due to accelartion
use
F=ma, and i used Vf^2-Vi^2=2ad to determine the acceleration a (here i will give you a little tip, i assumed the truck came to a stop after the 28.7m, so that Vf=0) This part of the problem is dynamic when looking at the problem in reference to the truck in motion on the road...

if you then focus your attention to just the box and the bed of the truck, there is no relative motion between the two and you can assume static equations...

here is used sum of x components F=0, i also used (Force of friction)=(normal force)(static coefficient)



let me know how it goes from here, if you need more help i will be glad to, well..., help hahahah
 
  • #5
Thanks a lot. I GOT IT!:smile:
 

FAQ: Please help me with this physics problem on static friction

What is static friction?

Static friction is a force that exists between two surfaces that are in contact with each other but not moving relative to each other. It acts to prevent an object from sliding or moving when a force is applied to it.

How is static friction different from kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents an object from moving, while kinetic friction is the force that opposes the movement of an object that is already in motion. Static friction is typically greater than kinetic friction.

How do I calculate the force of static friction?

The force of static friction can be calculated using the formula Fs = μs N, where Fs is the force of static friction, μs is the coefficient of static friction, and N is the normal force between the two surfaces.

What factors affect the force of static friction?

The force of static friction is affected by the coefficient of static friction, the normal force, and the roughness or smoothness of the surfaces in contact. It also depends on the materials of the two surfaces and any external forces acting on the object.

How can I reduce static friction?

Static friction can be reduced by using lubricants or by making the surfaces smoother. Additionally, reducing the weight or normal force acting on the object can also decrease the force of static friction.

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