A small wooden block of mass is pressed against a smooth vertical wall by a…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A small wooden block of mass 2.0kg is pressed against a smooth vertical wall by a horizontal force of 50N applied normally to the wall. The coefficients of friction between the block and the wall are μs=0.40 and μk=0.30. Take g=9.8m s−2.
(i) Determine the magnitude and direction of the frictional force acting on the block.
(ii) State whether the block remains at rest or slides. If it slides, calculate its acceleration.
(iii) For the condition found in part (ii), find the magnitude of the resultant contact force between the wall and the block and the angle it makes with the normal to the wall.