In: Physics
A 60.1-kg crate rests on a level floor at a shipping dock. The coefficients of static and kinetic friction are 0.515 and 0.406, respectively. What horizontal pushing force is required to (a) just start the crate moving and (b) slide the crate across the dock at a constant speed?
Gravitational acceleration = g = 9.81 m/s2
Mass of the crate = m = 60.1 kg
Normal force on the crate from the level floor = N
N = mg
To start moving the crate the force needed is equal to the force of the static friction.
Coefficient of static friction = s = 0.515
Maximum static friction force on the crate = fs
fs = sN
fs = smg
fs = (0.515)(60.1)(9.81)
fs = 303.6 N
To push the crate at a constant speed across the crate the force needed is equal to the force of the kinetic friction.
Coefficient of kinetic friction = k = 0.406
Maximum kinetic friction force on the crate = fk
fk = kN
fk = kmg
fk = (0.406)(60.1)(9.81)
fk = 239.4 N
a) Horizontal pushing force required to just start moving the crate = 303.6 N
b) Horizontal pushing force required to slide the crate at a constant speed across the dock = 239.4 N