Final answer:
The force needed to push the crate is equal to the product of the coefficient of friction and the normal force.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the force needed to push the crate, we can use the equation for friction force: Ff = μN, where μ is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force.
Since the crate is being pushed at a constant speed, we know that the net force on the crate is zero. This means that the applied force pushing the crate is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the friction force: Fapplied = Ff.
Therefore, the force needed to push the crate is equal to the product of the coefficient of friction and the normal force: Fapplied = μN.