What Is the Minimum Force Required to Move a Crate with Static Friction?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum force required to move a crate with static friction on a horizontal surface. The formula for the minimum force P is derived as P = μ_sFgSecθ / (1 - μ_sTanθ), where μ_s is the coefficient of static friction and θ is the angle of applied force. Participants express confusion about finding the minimum value of P, particularly when considering the angle θ. It is noted that if θ is 68.2° or more, the force required becomes infinite, making motion impossible. Calculus is suggested as a method to find the minimum value by differentiating the equation with respect to θ to maximize the denominator.
McDonell
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A crate of weight Fg is pushed by a force P on a horizontal floor. (a) If the coefficient of static friction is μ s and P is directed at angle θ below the horizontal, show that the minimum value of P that will move the
crate is given by

P = usFgSecθ / (1 - usTanθ)

(b) Find the minimum value of P that can produce motion when μ s = 0.400,
If the angle were 68.2° or more, the expression for P would go to infinity and motion would become impossible.


The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to figure out how to get to P, but I cannot figure out how to find the minimum value of P. I am assuming that if they want the minimum value of P, theta would be equal to 0, since all of the force would be put along the horizontal. I am not sure where exactly to go from there though.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mind showing us what you got as P?
 
Pranav-Arora said:
Mind showing us what you got as P?

well P is the same thing as in my original post.

P = usFgSecθ / (1 - usTanθ)

Now I don't know how to find the minimum value of P
 
Do they provide the weight of the object?
 
LawrenceC said:
Do they provide the weight of the object?

No they do not
 
What is the derivative of P with respect to θ ?
 
McDonell said:
well P is the same thing as in my original post.

P = usFgSecθ / (1 - usTanθ)

Now I don't know how to find the minimum value of P

Woops, sorry, i must have missed it. (I was feeling sleepy when i posted my reply, sorry)[/size]

Finding minimum value requires the knowledge of Calculus, do you know how to find the derivative?

You can do it in an another way too. Rearrange the equation, write sec and tan in terms of sin and cos, you get:
P=\frac{μ_sF_g}{\cos(\theta)-μ_s\sin(\theta)}
For P to be minimum, the denominator should be maximum, so simply differentiate \cos(\theta)-μ_s\sin(\theta) with respect to θ.
 
Last edited:
Find equation of applied force equal to frictional force.
You will get an equation that is equal to a constant.
For minimum value of P, the other factor must be maximum.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top