Need a setup for a fiction problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving two cubes, where a large cube (mass = 25 kg) is accelerated by a force P across a frictionless surface, while a small cube (mass = 4.0 kg) rests on its surface. The coefficient of static friction between the cubes is 0.17, and the goal is to determine the minimum force P required to prevent the small cube from sliding off. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing free body diagrams (FBDs) for both cubes to analyze the forces acting on them, particularly the normal force and frictional forces involved in maintaining static equilibrium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of static friction and its coefficient
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams (FBDs)
  • Basic concepts of forces and equilibrium in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the normal force acting on the small cube using the formula N = mg, where m is the mass of the small cube.
  • Explore the relationship between static friction and the normal force to determine the maximum static friction force.
  • Learn how to set up and solve equations of motion for systems involving multiple objects.
  • Investigate the effects of different coefficients of friction on the stability of objects in contact.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of friction and motion in multi-body systems.

Kadaj
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Need a setup for a friction problem

I know the concept of this problem but i don't know how to set it up...

'A large cube (mass= 25 kg) being accelerated across a horizontal frictionless surface by a horizontal force P. A small cube (mass= 4.0 kg) is in contact with the front surface of the large cube and will slide downward unless P is sufficiently large. The coefficient of static friction between the cubes is 0.17. What is the smallest magnitude that P can have in order to keep the small cube from sliding downward?'

Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
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anyone please help me
 
P of the box needs to equal the normal force of the little box onto the big box. Draw two FBDs. On of a little box showing the effects of friction, a normal force and weight. Remember, the little box is in static equalibrium when referenced to the big box. The entire two box system may be accelerating due to force P but the comparison of the two boxs should help you figure this out.

Draw a FBD of the big box as well. The N of the little box onto the big one equals the N of the big box onto the little BTW.

Good luck.
 

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