Two librarians pull forward on a cart filled with books to bring them to a storage room. One librarian pulls with 25 N [forward] and the other pulls with 32 N [forward]. The total mass of the cart and books is 35 kg. The cart moves at a constant velocity.

Find the coefficient of kinetic friction.
g=1.6

1 answer

First, we can calculate the net force acting on the cart and books:

Net force = (25 N + 32 N) - frictional force

Next, we calculate the total force applied by the librarians:

Total force = 25 N + 32 N = 57 N

Since the cart is moving at a constant velocity, the net force must be zero. Therefore, the frictional force is equal to the total force applied by the librarians:

Frictional force = 57 N

Next, we calculate the weight of the cart and books:

Weight = mass x gravity
Weight = 35 kg x 1.6 m/s^2 = 56 N

Since the frictional force is equal to the weight multiplied by the coefficient of kinetic friction, we can calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction:

56 N = 57 N x coefficient of kinetic friction
coefficient of kinetic friction = 56 N / 57 N
coefficient of kinetic friction = 0.98

Therefore, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the cart and the floor is 0.98.