Question

Because of a frictional force of 2.6 N, a force of 2.8 N must be applied to a textbook in order to slide it along the surface of a wooden table. The book accelerates at a rate of 0.11 m/s². What is the net force acting on the book? What is the mass of the book?

Answer 1

To solve this problem, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force (F_net) acting on an object is equal to its mass (m) times its acceleration (a):

F_net = ma

We can start by finding the net force acting on the book. The force of friction (F_friction) is given as 2.6 N, and the force required to slide the book (F_applied) is given as 2.8 N. The net force is the difference between these two forces:

F_net = F_applied - F_friction
F_net = 2.8 N - 2.6 N
F_net = 0.2 N

Therefore, the net force acting on the book is 0.2 N.

Next, we can use Newton's second law to find the mass of the book. Rearranging the equation, we get:

m = F_net / a

Substituting the values we just found, we get:

m = 0.2 N / 0.11 m/s²
m = 1.82 kg

Therefore, the mass of the book is 1.82 kg.