Sam exerts a 20 N horizontal force as he pulls in his school bag across the concrete floor of the school corridor at constant speed. What is the coefficient of rolling friction between floor and the school bag which weight 60N? Neglect air resistance.
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Answer:
To find the coefficient of rolling friction between the floor and the school bag, we can use the formula:
frictional force = coefficient of rolling friction * normal force
Since the bag is being pulled at a constant speed, the frictional force must be equal and opposite to the force being exerted by Sam. Therefore, the frictional force is 20 N.
The weight of the school bag is 60 N, which is the normal force acting on the bag.
Plugging in these values into the formula, we get:
20 N = coefficient of rolling friction * 60 N
Dividing both sides of the equation by 60 N, we find:
coefficient of rolling friction = 20 N / 60 N
coefficient of rolling friction = 1/3
Therefore, the coefficient of rolling friction between the floor and the school bag is 1/3.