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While decorating her apartment, Julie pushes a 608.0 N dresser across the floor by applying a 521.0 N horizontal force. The coefficient of friction between the dresser and the floor is 0.627. Determine the acceleration of the dresser.

User Sarah A
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Final answer:

To determine the acceleration of the dresser, you can use Newton's second law of motion by calculating the net force acting on the dresser. This includes subtracting the force of friction from the applied force. By dividing the net force by the mass of the dresser, you can find the acceleration.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the acceleration of the dresser, we need to use Newton's second law of motion. This law states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration. In this case, the net force is the horizontal force applied by Julie minus the force of friction. The force of friction can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction by the normal force. Since the dresser is not accelerating vertically, the normal force is equal to the weight of the dresser, which can be calculated by multiplying its mass by the acceleration due to gravity. Once we have the force of friction, we can subtract it from the applied force to find the net force, and then divide the net force by the mass of the dresser to find the acceleration.

Using the given values, the weight of the dresser is (mass) x (acceleration due to gravity) = (mass) x (9.8 m/s^2). The force of friction is (coefficient of friction) x (normal force). The net force is (applied force) - (force of friction). And finally, the acceleration is (net force) / (mass).

Plugging in the given values, we have:

Weight of the dresser = (mass) x (9.8 m/s^2) = (mass) x (9.8)

Force of friction = (coefficient of friction) x (weight of the dresser) = 0.627 x (mass) x (9.8)

Net force = (applied force) - (force of friction) = 521.0 N - (0.627 x (mass) x (9.8))

Acceleration = (net force) / (mass) = [(521.0 N) - (0.627 x (mass) x (9.8))] / (mass)

User AgentRegEdit
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