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\(A\) stubborn, \(120 \mathrm{kg}\) mule sits down and refuses to move. To drag the mule to the barn, the exasperated farmer ties a rope around the mule and pulls with his maximum force of \(800 \mathrm{N}\). The coefficients of friction between the mule and the ground are \(\mu_{1}=0.8\) and \(\mu_{1}=0.5 .\) Is the farmer able to move the mule?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, the farmer is not able to move the mule as the force he applies (800 N) is less than the maximum static friction (940.8 N).

Step by step solution

01

Calculate normal force

First, apply the formula for normal force, which is equal to weight for this scenario. Using the formula Normal Force = Mass x Gravity, Substitute Mass = 120 kg and Gravity = 9.8 m/s^2 to get Normal Force = 120 kg x 9.8 m/s^2 = 1176 N.
02

Calculate the maximum static friction

Next, calculate the maximum static friction using the formula Maximum Static Friction = Coefficient of static friction x Normal Force. Substitute Coefficient of static friction = 0.8 and Normal Force = 1176 N to get Maximum Static Friction = 0.8 x 1176 N = 940.8 N.
03

Compare forces

Now, compare the force applied by the farmer with the maximum static friction calculated in step 2. If the force applied by the farmer (800 N) is greater than the maximum static friction (940.8 N), then the farmer will be able to move the mule. However, in this case, it's less than the static friction.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Normal Force
In physics, the normal force plays a crucial role when understanding how objects interact with surfaces. It's the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. Imagine if you place a book on a table; the table applies an upward force, preventing the book from falling through.
This force is often equal to the object's weight acting perpendicular to the surface. For the mule, we calculate the normal force using the formula:
  • Normal Force = Mass × Gravity
  • where Mass = 120 kg and Gravity = 9.8 m/s²
So, Normal Force = 120 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 1176 N. This force helps us understand how tightly the mule is pressed against the ground, influencing the friction between the mule and the ground.
Coefficient of Friction
The coefficient of friction is a value that represents the frictional force between two objects. It has no units and can vary depending on the surfaces involved. Typically, there are two coefficients to consider:
  • Static coefficient (\( \mu_{s} \)): Represents the frictional force necessary to start moving an object at rest.
  • Kinetic coefficient (\( \mu_{k} \)): Represents the friction for moving objects.
In our problem:
  • \( \mu_{s} = 0.8 \) (static coefficient) is the value used to determine if the farmer can start moving the mule, because it is initially at rest.
  • The static friction formula is: Maximum Static Friction = \( \mu_{s} \) x Normal Force.
Thus, Maximum Static Friction = 0.8 × 1176 N = 940.8 N.
Force Comparison
After understanding the forces at play, we evaluate if the farmer can move the mule. We must compare the maximum static friction, which we've calculated to be 940.8 N, with the force the farmer applies, which is 800 N.
To determine the motion:
  • If the applied force is greater than the maximum static friction, the object would start moving.
  • If the applied force is less, the object remains stationary.
In this scenario, the farmer's force of 800 N falls short of overcoming the maximum static friction of 940.8 N, which means that the mule will not budge. The force comparison is essential when predicting movement.
Newton's Laws of Motion
Newton's Laws of Motion provide the fundamental principles needed to understand the behavior of objects in motion.
  • First Law (Law of Inertia): An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.
  • Second Law: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting upon it and inversely proportional to its mass (\( F = ma \)).
  • Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the case of the stubborn mule, Newton's First Law is especially relevant. The mule remains at rest because the applied force is not sufficient to overcome the static friction keeping it stationary. To set the mule in motion, the farmer's force would need to surpass the maximum static friction, creating a net force resulting in acceleration, according to Newton's Second Law.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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