Final answer:
To calculate the normal force (N), multiply the object's mass by the acceleration due to gravity. To find the Average peak static friction, multiply the coefficient of static friction by the normal force.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve for the normal force (N), we need to recognize that it is equal to the weight of the object when the object is on a flat surface not accelerating vertically. If the object has a mass (m), then the normal force is given by N = mg, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s2). For example, if an object has a mass of 40 kg, the normal force on a flat surface would be N = (40 kg)(9.80 m/s2) = 392 N.
The Average peak static friction (fs) is the maximum force of static friction, and it can be calculated using the coefficient of static friction (μs) and the normal force (N). The formula is fs ≤ μs N. To find the actual force of static friction when an object begins to move, you need to know the coefficient of static friction. If μs is 0.5 and the normal force is 392 N, the maximum static friction would be fs = (0.5)(392 N) = 196 N.