A traveler considers two different ways to move a wheeled suitcase across a smooth…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A traveler considers two different ways to move a 25kg wheeled suitcase across a smooth airport floor. In Case 1 the traveler pulls upward on the handle with a force of magnitude 60N at an angle of 20∘ above the horizontal. In Case 2 the traveler pushes downward on the handle with the same magnitude force at an angle of 20∘ below the horizontal. For both cases the suitcase moves horizontally and experiences kinetic friction with coefficient 0.10.
(a) For Case 1, describe qualitatively how the applied force affects the normal force compared with the suitcase’s weight.
(b) For Case 2, describe qualitatively how the applied force affects the normal force compared with the suitcase’s weight.
(c) Without performing numerical calculations, explain which case produces the greater kinetic friction force and justify your reasoning.
(d) Based on your reasoning in parts (a)–(c), indicate which case allows the suitcase to achieve the greater horizontal acceleration and provide a clear physical explanation for the difference.