Julianna H. answered • 05/04/19
Boston University Engineering Student
Hi Akilah,
The force of kinetic friction is defined as the coefficient of kinetic friction multiplied by the normal force.
On a flat surface, Fk=µmg where µ is the coefficient of friction, m is the mass of the object, and g is acceleration due to gravity.
Since we are given Fk, m, and know g, we can easily rearrange this equation to solve for µ. In physics, it is generally advised to solve for a variable in terms of the other variables before plugging in numbers.
Rearranging this equation is fairly simple, just divide both sides by mg to get Fk/(mg)=µ
Then, plug in your numbers 52.9N/(46.5kg*9.8m/s2)=µ=.116
Note that the unit N=kg*m/s2, and as such µ is a unit-less constant. Also, some physics courses round the value of g to 10m/s2 for simplicity: check with your teacher to ensure you get the correct numerical answer.
