A block weighing 9.7 N requires a force of
2.6 N to push it along at constant velocity.
What is the coefficient of friction for the surface?
friction=mu*mg=2.6
mu= 2.6/9.7
To find the coefficient of friction for the surface, we need to use Newton's second law and the concept of static friction. Let's break down the problem step-by-step:
1. Recall Newton's second law: F = m * a, where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration.
2. In this case, the block is moving at a constant velocity, which means it has zero acceleration. Hence, the net force acting on the block must also be zero.
3. The only forces acting on the block are the applied force (the force used to push the block) and the force of friction. Since the net force is zero, we can write the equation as:
Net force = Applied force - Force of friction = 0.
4. The applied force is given as 2.6 N. So, we can rewrite the equation as:
2.6 N - Force of friction = 0.
5. Rearranging the equation, we find:
Force of friction = 2.6 N.
6. The force of friction can be calculated using the formula:
Force of friction = coefficient of friction * Normal force.
7. The normal force is the force exerted by the surface on the block. In this case, the weight of the block is given as 9.7 N, so the normal force is also 9.7 N.
8. Substituting the values into the equation, we get:
2.6 N = coefficient of friction * 9.7 N.
9. Solving for the coefficient of friction:
coefficient of friction = (2.6 N / 9.7 N) = 0.268.
Therefore, the coefficient of friction for the surface is approximately 0.268.