# Coefficient of Static Friction

## Homework Statement

A crate of weight Fg is pushed by a force P on a horizontal floor. (a) If the coefficient of static friction is μ s and P is directed at angle θ below the horizontal, show that the minimum value of P that will move the
crate is given by

P = usFgSecθ / (1 - usTanθ)

(b) Find the minimum value of P that can produce motion when μ s = 0.400,
If the angle were 68.2° or more, the expression for P would go to infinity and motion would become impossible.

## The Attempt at a Solution

I was able to figure out how to get to P, but I cannot figure out how to find the minimum value of P. I am assuming that if they want the minimum value of P, theta would be equal to 0, since all of the force would be put along the horizontal. I am not sure where exactly to go from there though.

## Answers and Replies

Mind showing us what you got as P?

Mind showing us what you got as P?

well P is the same thing as in my original post.

P = usFgSecθ / (1 - usTanθ)

Now I dont know how to find the minimum value of P

Do they provide the weight of the object?

Do they provide the weight of the object?

No they do not

SammyS
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper
Gold Member
What is the derivative of P with respect to θ ?

well P is the same thing as in my original post.

P = usFgSecθ / (1 - usTanθ)

Now I dont know how to find the minimum value of P

Woops, sorry, i must have missed it. (I was feeling sleepy when i posted my reply, sorry)

Finding minimum value requires the knowledge of Calculus, do you know how to find the derivative?

You can do it in an another way too. Rearrange the equation, write sec and tan in terms of sin and cos, you get:
$$P=\frac{μ_sF_g}{\cos(\theta)-μ_s\sin(\theta)}$$
For P to be minimum, the denominator should be maximum, so simply differentiate $\cos(\theta)-μ_s\sin(\theta)$ with respect to θ.

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Find equation of applied force equal to frictional force.
You will get an equation that is equal to a constant.
For minimum value of P, the other factor must be maximum.

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