Enter the mass of the object, the coefficient of friction, and the moving force into the calculator to determine the Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction. 

Acceleration from Coefficient of Friction Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction.

A = ( MF - (m*g*cf) ) m
  • Where A is the Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction (m/s^2)
  • m is the mass of the object (kg)
  • CF is the coefficient of friction (none)
  • MF is the moving force (N)

What are the units for Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction?

The most common units for Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction are m/s^2.

How to Calculate Acceleration from Coefficient of Friction?

Example Problem:

The following example problem outlines the steps and information required to calculate the Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction.

First, determine the mass of the object. In this example, the mass of the object is measured to be 50 (kg).

Next, determine the coefficient of friction. For this problem, the coefficient of friction is calculated to be .85 (none).

Next, determine the moving force. In this case, the moving force is found to be 1000 (N).

Finally, calculate the Acceleration from the Coefficient of Friction using the formula above: 

A = ( MF – (m*g*cf) ) m

Inserting the values from above and solving the equation gives us the following: 

A = ( 1000 – (50*9.81*.85) / 50 = 11.66 (m/s^2)

FAQ

What is the coefficient of friction and how is it determined?

The coefficient of friction (CF) is a dimensionless scalar value that represents the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. It is determined experimentally through tests that measure the frictional forces in controlled conditions, comparing the force necessary to move one surface over another to the force holding them together.

Why is the mass of the object important in calculating acceleration from the coefficient of friction?

The mass of the object is crucial because it directly affects the gravitational force acting on the object, which in turn influences the frictional force when the object is in motion. The greater the mass, the higher the gravitational force, and consequently, the higher the frictional force that needs to be overcome to achieve acceleration. This relationship is captured in the formula where the mass is a key variable in calculating the acceleration.

Can the formula for acceleration from the coefficient of friction be applied in real-world scenarios?

Yes, the formula for acceleration from the coefficient of friction can be applied in various real-world scenarios where it’s necessary to understand the dynamics of moving objects. This includes automotive engineering for calculating stopping distances, sports science for understanding the performance of athletes on different surfaces, and mechanical engineering for designing machinery with moving parts. However, it’s important to note that real-world conditions may introduce additional variables that need to be considered for accurate calculations.