Final answer:
To maintain static equilibrium, the minimum applied force is 0 N, and the maximum applied force is equal to the maximum static friction force, which is given by µsN.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve for the minimum and maximum applied forces that will still maintain static equilibrium in this scenario, we need to consider the forces acting on the objects.
The maximum applied force occurs when the static friction force is at its maximum. The maximum static friction force can be calculated using the equation:
fs ≤ µsN
where fs is the static friction force, µs is the coefficient of static friction, and N is the normal force. In this case, the normal force is equal to the weight of the object on the table, which is given by:
N = mg
where m is the mass of the object and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
The minimum applied force occurs when the static friction force is at its minimum, which is zero. This occurs when the applied force is less than the maximum static friction force.
Therefore, the minimum applied force is 0 N and the maximum applied force is given by:
Fmax = µsN
where Fmax is the maximum applied force.