Maximum force so object on top wouldn't start sliding back

AI Thread Summary
To determine the maximum force that can be applied to box A without box B sliding off, the frictional forces between the boxes and the ground must be considered. The friction force between box A and the ground is calculated to be 6.5 N, while the friction force between boxes A and B is 2.25 N. The total friction force acting on box A is 8.75 N. The maximum acceleration before box B starts to slide is found to be 7.5 m/s², leading to a total force calculation of 16.25 N when combining friction and mass. The calculations are confirmed to be correct, assuming standard gravitational acceleration.
Arquon
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Homework Statement


Box B is on top of box A. Box A has a mass of 1 kg, B has 0.3 kg. Coefficient of friction between ground and box A is 0.5, between box A and B : 0.75. With what maximum force can I pull box A without box B sliding back ?

m1 = 1 kg
m2 = 0.3 kg
u1 = 0.5
u2 = 0.75

Homework Equations


Ffr = umg
F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I got that the force of friction between box A and ground is 6.5 N ( (m1 + m2)u1g )
Between box A and B friction is 2.25 N. ( m2u2g )
So the total force of friction box A receives is 8.75 N. But I can't work out what is the maximum force with which I can pull box A without having box B falling off.
 
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Arquon said:
Between box A and B friction is 2.25 N. ( m2u2g )
That's the key.
Hint: What's the max acceleration that box A can have before it starts to slide?
 
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I got acceleration 7.5 m / s2. Then :
F = Ffr + ma = 6.5 + 9.75 = 16.25 N ( for friction I used friction between box A and ground, and m = 1.3 kg)

Is this correct ?
 
Arquon said:
I got acceleration 7.5 m / s2. Then :
F = Ffr + ma = 6.5 + 9.75 = 16.25 N ( for friction I used friction between box A and ground, and m = 1.3 kg)

Is this correct ?
Looks good to me. (Assuming it's OK for you to use g = 10 m/s^2.)
 
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Yeah, it's ok. Thank you !
 
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