# Minimum force to make box slide down slope

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1. Feb 12, 2016

### heartshapedbox

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

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

2. Relevant 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.

3. 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!

2. Feb 12, 2016

### Staff: Mentor

Hint: Is friction the only force acting on the box?

3. Feb 12, 2016

### heartshapedbox

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