Final answer:
The coefficient of friction is calculated using the formula μ = F / (m × g), where F is the applied force, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. As the block moves at a constant speed, the applied force equals the force of friction, allowing the coefficient to be computed directly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked how to calculate the coefficient of friction between a block and a surface when the block is pushed with a known force and moves at a constant speed for a given distance on a level, rough surface. To solve for the coefficient of friction (μ), we can use the relationship that the force of friction is equal to the normal force (the weight of the block) times the coefficient of friction. Since the block moves at a constant speed, the force of friction exactly balances the applied force, indicating that no net work is done.
The formula to calculate the coefficient of friction is μ = F / (m × g), where F is the applied force, m is the mass of the block, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Given that the applied force is 150 N, mass of the block is 37.5 kg, and assuming g is 9.8 m/s², the coefficient of friction can be found by dividing the applied force by the product of the mass and gravity.
Therefore, μ = 150 / (37.5 × 9.8) which yields the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.