Friction direction of a set of contact points

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the friction directions of contact points between a stationary box and the floor when an external force is applied. It concludes that while the friction forces at each contact point can vary in magnitude and direction, the net friction force must ultimately counteract the applied force to maintain the box's motionless state. The complexity of the surface texture complicates the analysis, but the net effect of friction remains consistent in opposing the applied force.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
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Rasoul
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Assume that a box is motionless and is located on the floor ground (one box's face touches the floor completely). If we apply a force to this box such that the box keeps its motionless state, what we can say about the friction directions of all contact points between the box and the floor? Are all parallel to each other (with diferenct magnitudes) pointing to a direction that cancels the applied force? Or can they have different directions as different magnitudes such that the net friction magnitude and direction will cancel the applied force?
 
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We cannot really examine the details of the friction force since the surface is very disordered i.e. looking at it in a microscope you will see its "messed up". We can talk mainly about the net effect of the friction force...
 

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