Solving Static Friction Coefficient for Wooden Block on Table

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In summary, a wooden block of mass 29.0 kg sits on a horizontal table with a wire attached to its right side. A mass of 15.5 kg is attached to the wire, causing the block to barely start to slide. The coefficient of static friction between the block and table can be calculated using the equation f=ma and Ff=coefficient (Fn). To find the normal force for the block, only the forces on the block, including the tension, need to be considered.
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runningirl
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Homework Statement



A wooden block of mass 29.0 kg sits on a horizontal table. A wire of negligible mass is attached to the right side of the block and goes over a pulley (also of negligible mass, and frictionless), where it is allowed to dangle vertically. When a mass of 15.5 kg is attached to the wire, the block barely starts to slide. What is the coefficient of static friction between block and table?

Homework Equations



f=ma
Ff=coefficient (Fn)

The Attempt at a Solution



Fn=(29+15.5)*9.8?

got stuck after that.
 
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  • #2
hi runningirl! :smile:

no, the weight of the block acts on the block only, the weight of the 15.5 kg mass acts on the 15.5 kg mass only …

to find Fnormal for the block, consider only the forces on the block (including the tension) :wink:
 

FAQ: Solving Static Friction Coefficient for Wooden Block on Table

What is static friction coefficient?

Static friction coefficient is a measure of the resistance between two stationary surfaces that prevents them from moving against each other. It is a dimensionless value that indicates the amount of force required to overcome the friction between the two surfaces.

How is static friction coefficient calculated?

The static friction coefficient is calculated by dividing the magnitude of the maximum frictional force by the magnitude of the normal force between the two surfaces. This can be represented by the equation μs = Ff / Fn, where μs is the static friction coefficient, Ff is the maximum frictional force, and Fn is the normal force.

How do you determine the static friction coefficient for a wooden block on a table?

To determine the static friction coefficient for a wooden block on a table, you will need to measure the maximum frictional force and the normal force between the block and the table. Then, using the equation μs = Ff / Fn, you can calculate the static friction coefficient.

What factors can affect the static friction coefficient?

The static friction coefficient can be affected by several factors, including the nature of the materials, the roughness of the surfaces, the amount of force applied, and the presence of any lubricants or contaminants between the surfaces.

Why is it important to know the static friction coefficient?

Knowing the static friction coefficient is important in understanding the behavior of objects in contact with each other. It helps in predicting the amount of force needed to move an object, as well as determining the stability of objects on inclined surfaces or during rotational motion. It is also crucial in designing and engineering structures and machines that require specific levels of friction for optimal performance.

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