Question

In an empty wooden crate slides across a warehouse floor. If the crate was filled, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and the floor would

a. Increase
b. Decrease
c. Remain the same
d. Depend on the weight of the filling

Answer 1

OPTION C.

The coefficient of kinetic friction between a wooden crate and a floor would remain the same whether the crate is empty or filled, as this coefficient depends on the surfaces in contact, not the weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an empty wooden crate slides across a warehouse floor and if it were to be filled, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and the floor would remain the same. The coefficient of kinetic friction is a factor that depends on the two surfaces in contact, but not on the load or weight of the objects involved. Adding more mass to the crate would require a larger force to overcome friction due to the increase in normal force, but the coefficient of kinetic friction itself would not change.

Answer 2

The coefficient of kinetic friction remains the same regardless of the mass of the crate since it is determined by the type of materials in contact and not by the mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the effect of mass on the coefficient of kinetic friction when a crate is slid across a floor. The coefficient of kinetic friction remains the same regardless of the mass of the crate. This is because the coefficient of kinetic friction is determined by the materials in contact (in this case, the crate and the warehouse floor) and not by the mass that they support. Even when the crate's mass is increased by adding more contents, as long as the materials of the floor and crate do not change, the coefficient will not change either. In reference to additional context, the coefficient of static friction, which is relevant when the crate is not moving, would be higher, and you would need to exert a greater force to overcome it, but once the crate is moving, the kinetic friction is constant and independent of the mass.