Question

A box of bananas weighing 40.0 N rests on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of static friction between the box and the surface is 0.40 and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.20. What is the force of static friction acting on the box?

1) 10.0 N
2) 16.0 N
3) 20.0 N
4) 32.0 N

Answer 1

The maximum force of static friction acting on the box is 16.0 N, calculated using the coefficient of static friction and the normal force provided by the box's weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of static friction acting on the box can be calculated using the formula fs = μsN, where μs is the coefficient of static friction, and N is the normal force. In this case, the weight of the box provides the normal force, which equals 40.0 N (since the box is on a horizontal surface, the normal force is equal to the weight). The coefficient of static friction is given as 0.40. Hence, the maximum static frictional force is fs = 0.40 × 40.0 N = 16.0 N.