Max Acceleration for Truck w/Crate & CoFriction

[rmalski]

Homework Statement

[/B]A 5228 kg flatbed truck has a 226 kg crate resting on the level bed. If the static coefficient of friction is 0.27, what is the maximum acceleration the truck can achieve without the crate slipping off?

Homework Equations

[/B]f=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

i believe i need to find the force on each object. it would be 5228 x 9.8 and 226 x 9.8 but i am stuck there, especially with the static coefficient of friction. i do not understand that at all

 

[BvU]

The forces you mention are from gravity. Works in a vertical direction. But we can assume there is no vertical acceleration. So there must be more forces at work.
Acceleration is probably in a different direction (I don't spoil the exercise if I say: horizontal). How do you bring in a force that works in a horizontal direction ?

 

[rmalski]

to find the horizontal force would you have to multiply the mass by the coefficient of friction?

 

[BvU]

Coëfficiënt of friction is dimensionless: it is the ratio of (the magnitude of) two forces. Which ones ?

 

[rmalski]

the friction force and applied force?

 

[BvU]

No.

Physics isn't a guessing game. What have you learned about this subject ?