Question

The coefficient of kinetic friction between a rock and an aluminum part of a spacecraft is 0.35. If the ship has a mass of 400kg and slides horizontally at a constant speed over the surface of Venus, what is the magnitude of the friction force?

Answer 1

Answer on Question #72083 Physics / Other

The coefficient of kinetic friction between a rock and an aluminum part of a spacecraft is $\mu = 0.35$. If the ship has a mass of $m = 400\mathrm{kg}$ and slides horizontally at a constant speed over the surface of Venus ($g = 8.87\frac{m}{s^2}$), what is the magnitude of the friction force?

Solution:

The magnitude of the friction force by definition

$$F_{\mathrm{fric}} = \mu N,$$

where $N$ is normal reaction force. At the horizontal surface

$$N = W = mg.$$

Thus

$$F_{\mathrm{fric}} = \mu mg.$$ $$F_{\mathrm{fric}} = 0.35 \times 400 \times 8.85 = 1239\ \mathrm{N}.$$

Answer: 1239 N.

Answer provided by AssignmentExpert.com