Question

You find that it takes a horizontal force of 116 N to slide a box along the surface of a level floor at constant speed. The coefficient of static friction is 0.75, and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.39. What is the mass of the box?

a. 30 kg
b. 40 kg
c. 50 kg
d. 60 kg

Answer 1

The mass of the box is approximately 30 kg.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the mass of the box, we can use the formula:

F applied = μkN

Where:

• F applied is the applied force (116 N)
• μk is the kinetic friction coefficient (0.39)
• N is the normal force

To calculate the normal force:

N = mg,

Where:

• m is the mass of the box (unknown)
• g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)

By combining these equations, we have:

116 N = 0.39 x (m x 9.8 m/s²)

Simplifying the equation:

116 N = 3.822 m kg/s²

Solving for mass:

m = 116 N / (3.822 m/s²) = 30.33 kg

Rounding the answer to the nearest whole number, the mass of the box is approximately 30 kg.