A student gradually increases the horizontal pull on a block resting on a table

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

A student gradually increases the horizontal pull on a 2 kg2 \,\text{kg} block resting on a table. The measured frictional force rises linearly with the pull until the pull reaches 5 N5\,\text{N}, after which the frictional force suddenly drops to 4 N4\,\text{N} and then remains almost constant. Answer the following: (i) Which range of the applied pull corresponds to static friction and which range corresponds to kinetic friction? (ii) State the numerical values of the limiting friction and the kinetic friction acting on the block.

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