Answer: The coefficient of kinetic friction is μ = 0.6
Explanation:
For an object of mass M, the weight is:
W = M*g
where g is the gravitational acceleration: g = 9.8m/s^2
And the friction force between this object and the surface can be written as:
F = W*μ
where μ is the coefficient of friction (kinetic if the object is moving, and static if the object is not moving, usually the static coefficient is larger)
In this case, the weight is:
W = 20N
And the friction force is:
F = 12N
Replacing these values in the equation for the friction force we get:
12N = 20N*μ
(12N/20N) = μ = 0.6
The coefficient of kinetic friction is μ = 0.6
