When the magnitude of static friction is plotted on the vertical axis against an…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

When the magnitude of static friction Ff,sF_{f,s} is plotted on the vertical axis against an increasing horizontal applied force FappF_{\text{app}} for a block that remains at rest, which of the following best describes the portion of the graph before the block begins to slide? (a) A horizontal line at Ff,s=μsFnF_{f,s}=\mu_s F_n, independent of FappF_{\text{app}}. (b) A curve that rises steeply at first and then gradually levels off to μsFn\mu_s F_n. (c) A straight line through the origin with slope 1, so that Ff,s=FappF_{f,s}=F_{\text{app}} until a maximum value is reached. (d) A straight line through the origin whose slope equals μs\mu_s.

Related theory

Browse the problem library