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jwj11
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Homework Statement
A small box is resting on a larger box, which in turn sits on a table. When a horizontal force is applied to the larger box, both boxes accelerate together. The small box does not slip on the larger box.
a)Draw a free body diagram of the small box as it accelerates.
b)What force causes the small box to accelerate horizontally?
c) If the acceleration of the pair of boxes has a magnitude of 2.5 m/s^2, determine the smallest coefficient of friction between the boxes that will prevent slippage.
Homework Equations
F=ma
F=mg
F(normal)=-mg
F(staticfriction)=(coefficientofstatic)(Fnormal)
F(staticfriction)=(coefficientofstatic)(-mg)
The Attempt at a Solution
a) http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/109/fstaticti4.jpg [Broken]
b) The force applied on the large box
c)
Find when Fs is equal to Fa
So let Fs=Fa
Fs=(coefficientofstatic)(-mg)
Fa=ma
ma=(coefficientofstatic)(-mg)
a=(coefficientofstatic)(-g)
2.5m/s^2=(coefficientofstatic)(9.8m/s^2)
(coefficientofstatic)=2.5/9.8
(coefficientofstatic)=0.26
Therefore the coefficient of static friction must be 0.26
My friend and I got completely different final answers so I'm wondering if I'm wrong or right. Please help!
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