2. �œ A horizontal force of 100 N is required to push a piece

of furniture across a floor at a constant velocity.
(a) What is the net force acting on the furniture?
(b) How much is the friction force that acts on the
sliding furniture?
(c) How much friction acts on the furniture when it is at
rest on a horizontal surface

F = ma

a) if a = 0, the net force = 0

b) That means that 100 + friction force = 0

c) 0 + friction force = 0

To answer these questions, we need to understand the concept of forces and friction.

(a) The net force acting on the furniture can be calculated using Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest or moving at a constant velocity will continue to do so unless acted upon by an external force. Since the furniture is moving at a constant velocity, the net force on it is zero. This means that the applied force of 100 N is balanced by an equal and opposite force, which is the frictional force.

(b) To find the frictional force that acts on the sliding furniture, we can use the equation:

Frictional force = Applied force

In this case, the applied force is 100 N. Therefore, the frictional force on the furniture is also 100 N.

(c) When the furniture is at rest on a horizontal surface, the friction acting on it is known as static friction. Static friction is a force that keeps objects at rest and prevents them from moving when an external force tries to move them. The magnitude of static friction can vary depending on the surfaces in contact.

As the problem does not provide us with any information about the coefficient of static friction or the weight of the furniture, we cannot determine the exact value of the static friction acting on the furniture. However, we know that the static friction must be big enough to balance any applied force and prevent the furniture from moving. If the applied force is less than the maximum static friction, the furniture will remain at rest. If the applied force exceeds the maximum static friction, the furniture will start moving.

In summary:
(a) The net force acting on the furniture is zero.
(b) The friction force that acts on the sliding furniture is 100 N.
(c) The exact value of the friction acting on the furniture when it is at rest on a horizontal surface cannot be determined without further information.