Question

If you push a crate across a level floor at a constant speed, the friction between the crate and the floor is:

A) a bit more than your pushing force
B) a bit less than your pushing force
C) the same amount as your pushing force
D) none of the above

Answer 1

C) the same amount as your pushing force

When an object is moving at a constant speed, the net force acting on it must be zero. In this case, the force you apply to the crate to push it forward is balanced by the force of friction acting in the opposite direction. Therefore, the magnitude of the force of friction is equal to the magnitude of your pushing force. This is known as the frictional force being equal and opposite to the applied force.