Ahorizontal 20.-newton force is applied to a 5.0-kilogram box to push it across a rough,
horizontal floor at a constant velocity of 3.0 meters per second to the right.
determine the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the box.

The force of friction acting on the box will be acting in backward direction.

Further Explanation:

The force acting on a body in a particular direction results in the acceleration of the object due to that force.

If the object moves along the path with a constant velocity, then it means that the acceleration of the body is zero. If the acceleration of the body is zero, then there will be no net force acting on the block.

Since here the box is moving on a rough floor and the force applied in the forward direction is . In order to move with constant velocity, the net force on the block should be zero.

The net force on the block due to applied force and the friction force is:

Substitute for and for in above expression:

Thus, the force of friction acting on the box will be acting in backward direction.

Learn More:

1. A 30.0-kg box is being pulled across a carpeted floor by a horizontal force of 230 n

2. Choose the 200 kg refrigerator. Set the applied force to 400 n

3. With your hand parallel to the floor and your palm upright, you lower a 3-kg book downward

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Physics

Chapter: Force and Acceleration

Keywords:

Horizontal force, 20 N, 5.0 kg box, rough horizontal floor, constant velocity, magnitude of force, friction acting on box, zero acceleration, no net force.