Minimum force to make box slide down slope

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To determine the minimum force required to make a 5.0 kg box slide down a 30-degree slope with a static friction coefficient of 0.87, the static friction force must be calculated. The normal force is derived from the equation F_normal = mgcos(φ), leading to a static friction force of approximately 36.9 N. However, the correct minimum force needed to initiate movement is actually 12 N, which accounts for both friction and the gravitational component acting down the slope. This discrepancy arises from considering all forces acting on the box, including the gravitational force parallel to the slope. Understanding the balance of these forces is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement



If m=5.0kg, φ=30◦ and μs =0.87, what is the minimum force needed to make the box slide down the slope?

[/B]

Homework Equations


force of status friction is less than or equal to the normal force multiplied by the coefficient of static friction
F,normal=mgcosφ

The image is a slope of angle 30 degrees with box, mass 5kg on it. The force is being applied so that the box will slide downward when enough force is applied.

The Attempt at a Solution



Because the F of static friction is equal to coefficient of static friction multiplied by the normal force I got;

F,sf=((9.8)(5)cos(30))(0.87)=36.9N Therefore, the force would have to be greater than this, say 37N

The correct answer is apparently 12N I do not know why! [/B]
 
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Hint: Is friction the only force acting on the box?
 
Thank you! x

Fn=|Fn|cosθ k`
Fg= -mg k`
Ff= |Fn|(us) i`
Fpush=Ff-mgsinθ

Therfore,

us(mgcosθ)-mgsinθ

(0.87(5x9.8(cos30)))-5x9.8xsin30
=12N

yes? ahaha :p
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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