Question

A sled of mass 50 kg is pulled along snow-covered, flat ground. The static friction coefficient is 0.30, and the sliding friction coefficient is 0.10.What force will be needed to start the sled moving?

Answer 1

To determine the force needed to start the sled moving, we can calculate the maximum static friction force using the formula. The maximum static friction force is equal to the static friction coefficient times the weight of the sled. Therefore, the force needed to start the sled moving is 147 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the force needed to start the sled moving, we can calculate the maximum static friction force using the formula:

Maximum Static Friction = Static Friction Coefficient × Normal Force

Since the sled is on flat ground, the normal force is equal to the weight of the sled, which is given by:

Weight = Mass × Acceleration due to gravity

Once we have the maximum static friction force, we can conclude that the force needed to start the sled moving is equal to or less than the maximum static friction force. Thus, the minimum force required to start the sled moving is the maximum static friction force.

Therefore, to find the force needed to start the sled moving, we calculate:

Force to Start Moving = Maximum Static Friction Force

Substituting the given values:

Maximum Static Friction = 0.30 × (Mass × Acceleration due to gravity)
= 0.30 × (50 kg × 9.8 m/s²)
= 147 N

So, the force needed to start the sled moving is 147 N.