A heavy box of mass 50 kg is moving on a horizontal surface. If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the horizontal surface is 0.3, then the force of kinetic friction is:
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The force of kinetic friction is given by \( F_k = \mu_k \cdot N \), where \( N \) is the normal force and \( \mu_k \) is the coefficient of kinetic friction.
Step 1: Formula for Kinetic Friction Force The force of kinetic friction \( F_k \) is given by the formula:
\[
F_k = \mu_k \cdot N
\]
where \( \mu_k \) is the coefficient of kinetic friction and \( N \) is the normal force.
Step 2: Calculate the Normal Force For a horizontal surface, the normal force \( N \) is equal to the weight of the box, which is the mass \( m \) multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity \( g \):
\[
N = m \cdot g = 50 \times 9.8 = 490 \, \text{N}
\]
Step 3: Calculate the Force of Kinetic Friction Now, substitute the values into the kinetic friction formula:
\[
F_k = 0.3 \times 490 = 147 \, \text{N}
\]
Final Answer: The force of kinetic friction is 147 N.