- 1). Use a scale to determine the weight of the object in pounds. For example, assume you want to move a box weighing 50 lb.
- 2). Use a table of coefficients of friction to locate the static coefficient of friction for the object on the surface it will be pulled. The lower the coefficient of friction, the easier time you will have pulling the object. For example, assume you are pulling a wooden box on concrete. The coefficient of friction is then 0.62.
- 3). Calculate the friction force by multiplying the coefficient of static friction by the weight of the object. The weight of the object is used, since for a flat surface it equals the normal force exerted by the floor on the bottom of the object. The pulling force must have any value greater than the force of friction to be able to pull the object. For example, 0.62 times 50 lb. equals a static friction force of 31 lb. The pulling force must be greater than 31 lb. to pull the box along the concrete.
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