Calculate the coefficient of sliding friction if the friction force is 2.5 N, and the body weight is 3.5 N?

Given:

P = 3.5 Newtons – body weight;

F friction = 2.5 Newtons – friction force acting on the body.

It is required to determine k – coefficient of sliding friction.

To determine the coefficient of friction, you need to use the following formula:

F friction = k * N, where N is the support reaction force.

Since the condition of the problem is not specified, we assume that the body is on a horizontal surface, then the force of the reaction of the support is numerically equal to the weight of the body, that is:

F friction = k * P, hence:

k = F friction / P = 2.5 / 3.5 = 25/35 = 0.7 (the result has been rounded to one decimal place).

Answer: The coefficient of friction is 0.7.