Final answer:
To calculate the acceleration of the crate, we need to consider the forces acting on it. The horizontal force applied to the crate is 740 N. The force of friction can be calculated using the coefficient of friction and the normal force.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the acceleration of the crate, we need to consider the forces acting on it. The horizontal force applied to the crate is 740 N. The force of friction can be calculated using the formula F_friction = coefficient of friction * normal force. The normal force is the weight of the crate, which is given by the formula weight = mass * acceleration due to gravity. In this case, the mass of the crate is 215 kg and the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s². Therefore, the normal force is 215 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 2107 N.
Now we can calculate the force of friction: F_friction = 0.20 * 2107 N = 421.4 N. Since the crate is being pushed horizontally, the force of friction acts in the opposite direction. Therefore, the net force acting on the crate is 740 N - 421.4 N = 318.6 N.
Finally, we can use Newton's second law of motion, F = m * a, to find the acceleration of the crate. We know that the net force acting on the crate is 318.6 N and the mass of the crate is 215 kg. Therefore, 318.6 N = 215 kg * a. Solving for a, we find that the acceleration of the crate is a = 318.6 N / 215 kg = 1.484 m/s².