If you push a chair across the floor at a constant velocity, how does the force of friction compare with the force you exert? Explain.

If the velocity of the chair is constant, then the net force acting on it is zero.
The force you exert to keep it going is equal and opposite to the force of friction.

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-06-10

When you push a chair across the floor at a constant velocity, the force of friction that opposes your push must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force you exert. This is because, according to Newton's first law of motion, an object moving at constant velocity has a net external force of zero acting upon it. Therefore, if you apply a force to move the chair, friction provides an equal and opposing force to maintain a zero net force, allowing the chair to move at a consistent speed.
For example, if you're pushing with a force of 50 N to move the chair to the right, the frictional force must be -50 N (to the left), so the total force (net force) on the chair is zero. This is also described by Newton's third law, which states that for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. The frictional force is the reaction force to the force you're applying on the chair.

Answered by TealRedmann | 2024-06-24

When pushing a chair at constant velocity, the force of friction equals the force you exert but acts in the opposite direction. This balance of forces results in a net force of zero. Thus, both forces are equal in magnitude.
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Answered by AL2006 | 2025-01-29