Question

While Felix and Jeff push a 59kg crate across a rough floor a 410N frictional force opposes its motion. If the crate has an acceleration of 0.41m/s2 and Jeff is pushing with a force of 349N, what is the strength of Felix\'s push?

Answer 1

@matt101

Answer 2

Would I use something like f=ma?

Answer 3

Sort of. Start by drawing a free body diagram and try to come up with an equation based on it!

Answer 4

What's a free body diagram?

Answer 5

When you draw out all the forces acting on an object

Answer 6

So something like this?

Answer 7

Sorry for the bad drawing by the way. I'm not really an artist.

Answer 8

@matt101

Answer 9

The drawing is perfect! Now make an equation.

Answer 10

Well I'm given acceleration, mass, and Jeff's force...and then the force of the frictional force

Answer 11

So with the forces should I subtract them to get the net?

Answer 12

@matt101

Answer 13

Pretty much - keep in mind the net force on the onject is ma!

Answer 14

Fnet = ma

Answer 15

Fnet=59*.41

Answer 16

So 24.19

Answer 17

Then you add that to Jeff's force so it would be 325?

Answer 18

@ganeshie8

Answer 19

@kropot72