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A particle of mass M moves along a horizontal x axis from $x=0$ to $x=L$. The coefficient of kinetic friction varies as a function of $x$ as $\mu_k(x) = \mu_0 - \alpha x$, where $\mu_0$, $\alpha$ are constants of appropriate dimensions, so that $\mu_k(L) = 0$. The total work done by the frictional force during the motion is $n \mu_0 M g L$, where g is the acceleration due to gravity. The value of $n$ is :

This question was previously asked in
NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Question Paper (21-Jun-2026)
The correct answer is
$\frac{1}{2}$

To solve this problem, we need to calculate the total work done by the variable kinetic friction force on a particle moving from \(x = 0\) to \(x = L\) along a horizontal axis.

The kinetic frictional force at any position \(x\) is given by:

\(f_k(x) = \mu_k(x) \cdot N\)

where \(\mu_k(x) = \mu_0 - \alpha x\) is the coefficient of friction, and \(N = Mg\) is the normal force (since the motion is horizontal).

Thus, the frictional force becomes:

\(f_k(x) = (\mu_0 - \alpha x)Mg\)

The work done by friction as the particle moves from \(x = 0\) to \(x = L\) is:

\(W = \int_{0}^{L} f_k(x) \, dx\)

\(= \int_{0}^{L} (\mu_0 - \alpha x)Mg \, dx\)

\(= Mg \int_{0}^{L} (\mu_0 - \alpha x) \, dx\)

Now we integrate:

\(W = Mg \left[ \mu_0 x - \frac{\alpha x^2}{2} \right]_{0}^{L}\)

\(= Mg \left[ \mu_0 L - \frac{\alpha L^2}{2} \right]\)

According to the problem, we have \(\mu_k(L) = 0\), which gives us:

\(\mu_0 - \alpha L = 0\)

\(\alpha = \frac{\mu_0}{L}\)

Substituting \(\alpha\) back into the work expression, we get:

\(W = Mg \left[ \mu_0 L - \frac{\mu_0 L}{2} \right]\)

\(= Mg \left[ \frac{\mu_0 L}{2} \right]\)

\(= \frac{1}{2} \mu_0 Mg L\)

Thus, comparing with \(n \mu_0 Mg L\), we find:

\(n = \frac{1}{2}\)

Therefore, the value of \(n\) is \(\frac{1}{2}\).

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