Answer :
Final answer:
The coefficient of static friction between the student and the hardwood floor is approximately 0.481, calculated using the formula μs = fs / N with the given values of the horizontal force and the student's mass.
Explanation:
To determine the coefficient of static friction between the student and the floor, we can use the relationship between the static frictional force (fs) and the normal force (N). The static frictional force, in this case, is the force needed to overcome the friction and start the sliding motion, which is 245 N. The normal force is equal to the force due to gravity acting on the student, which can be calculated using N = m * g, where m is the mass of the student and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s2).
For the 52 kg student, the normal force (N) is calculated as follows:
N = m * g = (52 kg) * (9.80 m/s2) = 509.6 N
Next, the coefficient of static friction (μs) can be found using the formula:
μs = fs / N
Inserting the given values:
μs = 245 N / 509.6 N ≈ 0.481
Thus, the coefficient of static friction between the student and the hardwood floor is approximately 0.481.
