Force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table

In summary, to find the horizontal force exerted on the book by your left hand, you need to determine the friction force between the book and the table, which can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of kinetic friction for the hand-to-book and table-to-book surfaces by the normal force between them. This will give you a value of 4.32 N. Since the book is moving at a constant velocity, the friction force must be equal to the hand-pushing-force, which is 9.30 N. Therefore, the horizontal force exerted by your left hand on the book is also 9.30 N.
  • #1
abhisheknaik
1
0

Homework Statement



You place a book flat on a table and press down on it with your right hand. The hand-to-book and table-to-book coefficients of kinetic friction are 0.50 and 0.45 respectively. The book's mass is 0.98 kg and your downward push on it is 9.30 N. Now, you use your left hand to push the book along the table at constant speed. Assuming that your right hand is stationary with respect to the table, what is the horizontal force exerted on the book by your left hand?


Homework Equations



F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the normal force between the book and the table: 0.45 x 0.98 x 9.8 = 4.32 N.

I don't know what to do with the 9.30 N and 0.50 coefficient!
 
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  • #2
Easiest way to tackle these problems is by drawing a free body diagram and analyzing the forces.

I'm going to assume that the force you ask about is when the book is moving at a constant velocity.

The friction force is equal to the hand-pushing-force if the book is moving at constant vel.

So find the friction force between the book and the table..
 

Related to Force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table

1. What factors affect the force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table?

The force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table is affected by the weight of the book, the friction between the book and the table, and the grip strength of the hand holding the book.

2. How can the force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table be reduced?

The force required to move a book can be reduced by using a smoother surface for the table, reducing the weight of the book, and increasing the grip strength of the hand holding the book.

3. Is there a specific formula for calculating the force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table?

Yes, the formula for calculating the force required to move a book is F = μmg, where F is the force, μ is the coefficient of friction, m is the mass of the book, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. How does the force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table change if the book is tilted?

If the book is tilted, the force required to move it will increase as the weight of the book will act perpendicular to the surface of the table, creating a larger force of friction.

5. Can the force required to move a book sandwiched between a hand and a table be greater than the weight of the book?

Yes, the force required to move a book can be greater than the weight of the book if the coefficient of friction between the book and the table is high enough. In this case, the grip strength of the hand holding the book will also play a role in determining the overall force required.

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