Mechanics: Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton's Laws of Motion: Audio Guided Solution

Extra Problem 8:

While decorating her apartment, Julie pushes a 628-N dresser across the floor by applying a 541-N horizontal force. If the coefficient of friction between the dresser and the floor is 0.652, then determine the acceleration (in m/s/s). 

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

• Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
• Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 3.52 kg; a = 4.2 m/s/s; F_net = ???.
• Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
• Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
• Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Wave Basics at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

• Forces
• Mass and Weight
• Newton's Second Law
• Determining Acceleration From Force Values
• Determining Individual Force Values
• Friction Force
• The Kinematic Equations

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