Question

Why is it more difficult to lean over and push a heavy box across the floor than it is to attach a rope and pull the box at the same angle? Draw a force diagram for each situation and resolve the applied force into its components.

Concentrate on the normal force and its effect on

Answer 1

When you push a heavy box across the floor, the frictional force between the box and the floor makes it more difficult to move. However, when you attach a rope and pull the box at the same angle, the frictional force opposes the applied force in a different direction, making it easier to move.

Step-by-step explanation:

Force Diagrams

When you lean over and push a heavy box across the floor, you are exerting an applied force on the box in the horizontal direction. Additionally, there is a normal force exerted by the floor on the box perpendicular to the surface. The frictional force between the box and the floor opposes the applied force, making it more difficult to move the box.

When you attach a rope and pull the box at the same angle, you are still exerting an applied force in the horizontal direction, but the frictional force is now directed in the opposite direction. As a result, the effect of the frictional force is reduced, making it easier to move the box.

Learn more about The effect of friction when pushing or pulling heavy objects