What Is the Critical Angle to Keep a Box Moving with Kinetic Friction?

  • Thread starter Thread starter aftershock
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The critical angle (theta) for pushing a box across a floor with kinetic friction is determined by the coefficient of kinetic friction, which is 0.41 in this case. The equation governing the relationship between the pushing force (P), the angle (theta), and the weight of the box (mg) is Pcos(theta) = (Psin(theta) + mg) * 0.41. When theta exceeds a specific value, the box cannot be moved regardless of the pushing force applied. This value of theta is crucial for homeowners and movers to understand to effectively manage the movement of heavy objects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and friction.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications in physics.
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknowns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of varying coefficients of friction on movement.
  • Learn about static versus kinetic friction and their implications in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore the application of Newton's laws in different contexts, such as inclined planes.
  • Investigate the role of angle in force application and its impact on motion.
USEFUL FOR

Homeowners, movers, and anyone involved in logistics or physical labor who needs to understand the mechanics of moving heavy objects efficiently.

aftershock
Messages
106
Reaction score
0
while moving in, a new homeowner is pushing a box across the floor at constant velocity. the coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the floor is 0.41. the pushing force is directed downward at an angle (theta) below the horizontal. when theta is greater than a certain value, it is not possible to move the box, no matter how large the pushing force is.

find that value of theta.


I tried this.

P= pushing force
x = theta
m = mass of box
g= 9.8 or accel of gravity

Pcosx = (Psinx +mg).41

no luck :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
aftershock said:
P= pushing force
x = theta
m = mass of box
g= 9.8 or accel of gravity

Pcosx = (Psinx +mg).41

no luck :(

Well you're nearly there. If the pushing force is very large then Psinx >> mg and you can ignore
the weight of the box.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K