Question

A large block is being pushed against a smaller block such that the smaller block remains elevated while being pushed. The mass of the smaller block is m = 0.45 kg. It is found through repeated experimentation that the blocks need to have a minimum acceleration of a = 13 m / s 2 in order for the smaller block to remain elevated and not slide down. What is the coefficient of static friction between the two blocks?

Answer 1

Explanation:

According to the free body diagram a block of mass m will have expression for force as follows.

                  N = ma

and,       $f_{c} - mg$ = 0  

             $\mu_{s}N - mg$ = 0

       $\mu_{s} = \frac{mg}{N}$ = $\frac{mg}{ma}$

                  = $\frac{g}{a}$

                  = $\frac{9.8}{13}$

                  = 0.75

Therefore, we can conclude that the value of coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0.75.