A horizontal force acts on a mass m that lies on a horizontal surface. The acceleration of m is . The coefficient of kinetic friction µ_k between mass m and the surface can be calculated from A) µ_k = a/g. B) µ_k = F/mg) - a/g). C) µ_k = F/mg) + a/g). D) µ_k = 0. E) None of these is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We know that the force of friction (Ff) is given by: Ff = µ_k * N where N is the normal force exerted by the surface on the object. In this case, since the object is on a horizontal surface, the normal force is equal to the weight of the object: N = mg The horizontal force applied on the object causes an acceleration, given by: a = F / m where F is the applied force. Using Newton's second law, we can write: F - Ff = ma Substituting the expressions for Ff and N, we get: F - µ_k * mg = ma Solving for µ_k, we get: µ_k = (F/mg) - (a/g) Therefore, the correct choice is B.

A Horizontal Force Acts on a Mass M That