Question

A 51 kg student sitting on a hardwood floor does not slide until pulled by a 239 N horizontal force. Determine the coefficient of static friction between the student and the floor.

Answer 1

To determine the coefficient of static friction, we can use the equation Fs = μs N, where Fs is the force of static friction, μs is the coefficient of static friction, and N is the normal force. Plugging in the values, we get a coefficient of static friction of approximately 0.478.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the coefficient of static friction between the student and the floor, we can use the equation Fs = μs N, where Fs is the force of static friction, μs is the coefficient of static friction, and N is the normal force.

In this case, the normal force N is equal to the weight of the student, which is mg, where m is the mass of the student and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Given that the mass of the student is 51 kg, we can calculate the normal force as N = (51 kg)(9.8 m/s^2) = 499.8 N.

The force of static friction Fs is equal to the force applied to the student, which is 239 N.

Plugging in the values, we get 239 N = μs (499.8 N). Solving for μs gives us a coefficient of static friction of approximately 0.478.