What is Fmin, the minimum constant force needed to pull …

Physics Questions

What is Fmin, the minimum constant force needed to pull the board out from under a small box of mass m1, which is sitting on it? Consider the coefficients of static and kinetic friction, μs, and express your answer in terms of the variables μs, m1, m2, g, and L, without including Ff.

Short Answer

The solution outlines three steps to determine the minimum force needed to move a board from under a box on a frictionless surface. First, it defines the masses involved, then establishes the forces with equations related to friction, and finally calculates the minimum force using the total mass and derived acceleration.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Define the Parameters

Begin by clearly defining the parameters important to the problem. Here, we have two masses:

  • Mass of the box: denoted as m‚ÄöCA
  • Mass of the board: denoted as m‚ÄöCC

Next, establish that the situation is on a frictionless surface where a frictional force (Fr) exists between the box and the board.

Step 2: Establish the Forces

From our understanding of forces, we need to set up equations based on the frictional force acting on the box:

  • First, we describe Fr as m‚ÄöCAa (Equation 1).
  • Then, considering the force between the box and the board, we express Fr as ≈í¬∫sm‚ÄöCAg (Equation 2).

By equating these two expressions, we derive the acceleration of the system as a = μsg.

Step 3: Calculate the Minimum Force

To find the minimum force (Fmin) that must be applied to the board, we use the total mass of the box and the board multiplied by the acceleration:

  • Using the formula, we find Fmin = (m‚ÄöCA + m‚ÄöCC)a.
  • Substituting the acceleration (a = ≈í¬∫sg) into the equation gives Fmin = (m‚ÄöCA + m‚ÄöCC)≈í¬∫sg.

This result provides the force required to pull the board out from under the box. Cheers, I hope this helps!

Related Concepts

Mass

The quantity of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms (kg)

Frictional Force

A force that resists the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding against each other, often denoted as fr in equations

Acceleration

A vector quantity that represents the rate of change of velocity of an object, commonly expressed in meters per second squared (m/s²).

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