Applied force compared friction force at constant velocity

In summary, applied force and friction force have an inverse relationship at constant velocity. As the applied force increases, the friction force decreases, resulting in a balanced state where the object maintains a constant velocity. This is due to the principle of Newton's First Law, which states that an object will remain at rest or in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, a greater applied force is needed to overcome the opposing force of friction and accelerate the object. Conversely, a decrease in applied force will result in an increase in friction force, causing the object to decelerate.
  • #1
JakeCC

Homework Statement


How does an applied force and a frictional force compare when moving at constant velocity?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Do you know any "Relevant equations" that you can use to relate a force to a constant velocity?
 

Related to Applied force compared friction force at constant velocity

1. What is applied force compared to friction force at constant velocity?

Applied force is the force exerted on an object by an external source, such as pushing or pulling. Friction force is the resistance force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. At constant velocity, the applied force is equal to the friction force, meaning there is no change in speed or direction.

2. How can applied force be calculated compared to friction force at constant velocity?

The equation for calculating applied force is F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. Friction force can be calculated using the equation F=µN, where µ is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force. At constant velocity, the applied force will be equal to the friction force.

3. What factors affect the relationship between applied force and friction force at constant velocity?

The coefficient of friction, the normal force, and the mass of the object are all factors that can affect the relationship between applied force and friction force at constant velocity. A higher coefficient of friction or normal force will result in a higher friction force, requiring a larger applied force to maintain constant velocity.

4. Can the relationship between applied force and friction force at constant velocity change?

Yes, the relationship between applied force and friction force at constant velocity can change if there is a change in any of the factors that affect it. For example, if the surface becomes smoother, the coefficient of friction will decrease, resulting in a decrease in friction force and a decrease in the required applied force to maintain constant velocity.

5. How does the relationship between applied force and friction force at constant velocity affect an object's motion?

At constant velocity, the applied force and friction force are balanced, resulting in no change in motion. This means that the object will continue to move at the same speed and in the same direction unless an external force is applied. If the applied force is greater than the friction force, the object will accelerate, and if the applied force is less than the friction force, the object will decelerate.

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