Question

Pulling a box weighing 450 Newton's along a level floor at a constant speed by rope makes an angle of 30 degrees with the floor. If the forces on the rope is 260 Newtons, what is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface?

Answer 1

To determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the box, we need to analyze the forces acting on the box.

In this scenario, the box is being pulled at a constant speed, which means the net force acting on it is zero. We can break down the forces as follows:

1. The force of tension in the rope (T): The force exerted on the box by the rope is given as 260 Newtons.

2. The force of gravity (mg): The weight of the box is given as 450 Newtons. The force of gravity acts vertically downward.

3. The normal force (N): The normal force acts perpendicular to the surface and is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the vertical component of the weight (mg).

4. The force of friction (f): The force of friction acts parallel to the surface and opposes the motion of the box. It is given by the equation f = μN, where μ is the coefficient of kinetic friction and N is the normal force.

The force diagram can be represented as follows:

yamlCopy code