The force of friction can be calculated using Newton's second law:
F_friction = coefficient of static friction * normal force
The normal force is equal to the force of gravity acting on the block:
Normal force = mass * gravity = 5.0 kg * 9.81 m/s^2 = 49.05 N
Since the block is at rest, the maximum static frictional force is equal in magnitude to the applied force:
F_friction = 21 N
Therefore, the coefficient of static friction can be calculated as:
coefficient of static friction = F_friction / normal force = 21 N / 49.05 N = 0.428
Therefore, the coefficient of static friction between the block and the floor is 0.428.
A cement block with a mass of 5.0 kg is at rest on a horizontal floor.
A force of 21 N [E] starts the block moving. Find the coefficient of static friction for the block and floor.
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