A rightward force of 302 N is applied to a 28.6-kg crate to accelerate it across the floor. The coefficient of friction between the crate and the floor is 0.750.

Determine the acceleration of the crate.

1 answer

To determine the acceleration of the crate, we need to find the net force acting on it.

The force of friction can be calculated using the formula:

Force of friction = coefficient of friction * normal force

The normal force is the force perpendicular to the surface and is equal to the weight of the crate, which is given by:

Normal force = mass * gravitational acceleration

Using the known values:

Normal force = 28.6 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 280.28 N

Now, we can calculate the force of friction:

Force of friction = 0.750 * 280.28 N = 210.21 N

The net force acting on the crate is equal to the applied force minus the force of friction:

Net force = 302 N - 210.21 N = 91.79 N

Finally, we can substitute this net force and the mass of the crate into Newton's second law of motion:

Net force = mass * acceleration

Plugging in the known values:

91.79 N = 28.6 kg * acceleration

Solving for acceleration:

acceleration = 91.79 N / 28.6 kg ≈ 3.21 m/s²

Therefore, the acceleration of the crate is approximately 3.21 m/s².