Question

What is the maximum horizontal force that is required to cause a 15kg box to begin to slide along a horizontal surface if the coefficient of static friction is 0.20?

Answer 1

Correct Question:

What is the minimum horizontal force that is required to cause a 15kg box to begin to slide along a horizontal surface if the coefficient of static friction is 0.20?

Solution:

Mass of box = 15 kg.

Coefficient of static friction = 0.2

So, the limiting friction is :

$f_{limiting} = \mu N$

$\implies f_{limiting} = \mu (mg)$

$\implies f_{limiting} =0.2 \times 15 \times 10$

$\implies f_{limiting} =30 N$

So, the applied force has to be :

$\implies F > f_{limiting}$

$\implies F > 30 N$

So, the minimum force required is 30 N.