The sums of forces along x and y

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing the forces acting on a box being pushed along the ceiling at a constant speed, with a force F applied at an angle A. The user employs the equations of motion to resolve forces in both the x and y directions, leading to the conclusion that the coefficient of friction between the box and the ceiling (\mu_k) and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the person's hands and the box (\mu_{k2}) are crucial for accurate calculations. The user identifies a flaw in their logic regarding the frictional forces, emphasizing that the angle A must satisfy the condition A < Tan^-1(\mu) for the equations to hold true. This insight highlights the importance of considering all frictional forces in such problems.

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Malitic
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I have a problem I'm working on where the general premise is that there is a box being pushed along the ceiling at a constant speed. The force F is at some angle with respect to the vertical. There is a coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the ceiling and the persons hands and the box. The latter of which keeps the persons hands from slipping.
I am trying to be deliberately vague because I want help on the concept not the problem itself.

A = angle
F_a = Force along the angle A
\mu_k = coefficient of friction along the ceiling
\mu_{k2} = coefficient of kinetic friction with persons hands
My thinking is that
\sum f_x = f_a*sinA - ff = 0 \Rightarrow f_a*cosA = \mu_k*N + \mu_{k2} *N
and
\sum f_y = f_a*cosA - mg - n = 0

Is there a flaw in my logic? Because when I put in all the information my result is unrealistic. I have attached the free body that goes along with my thinking.
 

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If the person's hands aren't slipping then ignore the coeffecient of friction between the hands and the box for now.

Now resolve your forces:

In the y direction:
F_a*cos(A) - mg - N = 0 N is normal reaction between box and ceiling
N = F_a*cos(A) - mg

In the x direction:
F_a*sin(A) - \mu*N = 0
F_a*sin(A) - \mu(F_a*cos(A) - mg) = 0


Now as far as the coeffecient of friction between the hands and the box, this should be a limiting condition.

F_a*sin(A) &lt; F_a*cos(A)*\mu
A &lt; Tan^-1(\mu), so the above equations only hold true if this condition is met.
 
The force along the x direction in your problem is incorrect because the friction between the box and the hands is important to the problem overall.

However in bug fixing your problem I was able to see where I went wrong so thanks.
 

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