Answer:
To calculate the frictional force between the sled & block (stuck together) and the flat ground, we can use the equation:
friction = friction coefficient * normal force
The normal force is equal to the gravitational force acting on the combined mass of the sled and block, which is 12 kg + 8 kg = 20 kg. The gravitational force is equal to the mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s^2).
So the normal force = 20 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 196 N
The coefficient of friction (µ) is given as 0.75. So the frictional force is:
friction = 0.75 * 196 N = 147 N
So the frictional force between the sled & block (stuck together) and the flat ground is 147 N.
Note that in calculating the normal force, we are assuming that the sled and block are moving as a single unit and therefore the force is acting on their combined mass. Also the force is calculated on the basis of friction coefficient which is given as 0.75