Dynamics: Kinetic Friction

Question

The force of friction between an object and the surface upon which it is sliding is 17N and the coefficient of friction between them is 0.66. What is the weight of the object?

Answer 1

Recall that the weight of an object is equators to the mass of the object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. In other words:

1. Weight = mg

The formula for the force of kinetic friction is:

1. F_k = μ_kη, where
2. μ_k = the coefficient of kinetic friction
3. η = the normal force exerted on the object. The normal force is equal in magnitude but opposite direction to mg when considering a level surface.

So, based on your problem we have:

1. F_k = 17 N
2. μ_k = 0.66
3. Solving for η gives us:
4. 17 = 0.66η
5. η = 17 / 0.66 = 25.76 N

The weight of the object then is 25.76 N

Please leave a comment if this was helpful or if you still need help understanding the problem