Final answer:
The force P required to lift the brace with the wedge is determined by the maximum force of static friction fs (max) = μ_s N, where P must exceed this value to initiate movement. The normal force N is typically the weight of the brace when friction is the only opposing force.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the force P that must be applied to the wedge to lift the brace supporting the load F, we need to understand the role of static friction in this scenario.
The maximum force of static friction fs (max) is given by fs (max) = μ_s N, where μ_s is the coefficient of static friction and N is the magnitude of the normal force.
In order to start moving the wedge, P must be greater than the maximum static frictional force.
For example, if we have a situation where the normal force N is equivalent to the weight of the brace, suppose that weight is w, then the maximum frictional force is fs (max) = μ_s w. If P is less than fs (max), the static friction will prevent the wedge from moving.
As P is increased and eventually exceeds fs (max), the wedge will start moving and will be able to lift the brace.
Therefore, the required applied force P to overcome static friction and initiate movement in this context would equal the maximum static frictional force plus any additional force required to achieve the objective of lifting the brace.