A skidder dragging of 520 kg walk-through forest at a constant speed of 3.5 m/s. If the skidder is applying a force of 1850 N what is the coefficient of friction between the log and the ground

The coefficient of friction between the log and the ground is, μₓ = 0.3630

Explanation:

Given data,

The skidder dragging the mass, m = 520 kg

The acceleration of the mass, a = 3.5 m/s

The force applied by the skidder, Fₓ = 1850 N

The kinetic frictional force is given by,

Fₓ = μₓ η

μₓ = Fₓ / η

Where μₓ - the coefficient of the kinetic friction

η is the normal force acting on the mass due to gravitational force.

η = mg

= 520 x 9.8

= 5096 N

Substituting the values in the above equation,

μₓ = 1850 N / 5096 N

= 0.3630

Hence, the coefficient of friction between the log and the ground is, μₓ = 0.3630