Answer:
The correct option is;
d) Parallel to the plane
Explanation:
The forces acting on the box of mass, m are;
Weight of the box acting an angle, θ, equal to the inclination of the plane to the perpendicular of the plane
Weight of the box acting along the plane = m×g×sin(θ)
The force of friction along the plane = μ×m×g×cos(θ)
The total force acting downward along the plane , = m×g×sin(θ) + μ×m×g×cos(θ)
The Force needed to pull the box up along the plane F = The total force acting downward along the plane
F = m×g×sin(θ) + μ×m×g×cos(θ) = m×g×(sin(θ) + μ×cos(θ))
When the force, Fₐ is applied vertically, the force acting along the plane = Fₐ×cos(θ)
When the force is applied perpendicular, the force acting along the plane = Fₐ×sin(θ)
When the force is applied horizontally, the force acting along the plane = Fₐ×cos(θ)
When the force is applied parallel to the plane, the force acting along the plane = Fₐ
Therefore, since Fₐ > Fₐ×cos(θ) and Fₐ > Fₐ×sin(θ), for acute angles, we have that the least force is required when the force is acting parallel to the plane.