Question

A box of bananas weighing 51.0 N rests on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of static friction between the box and the surface is 0.46 and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.23. What is the force of static friction acting on the box?

1) 0.46 N
2) 0.23 N
3) 51.0 N
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The force of static friction acting on the box is calculated as the product of the coefficient of static friction and the normal force, resulting in approximately 23 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of static friction acting on the box can be calculated using the formula fs = μs × N, where μs is the coefficient of static friction and N is the normal force. Since the box is resting on a horizontal surface, the normal force is equal to the weight of the box, which is given as 51.0 N. Therefore, the force of static friction is fs = 0.46 × 51.0 N = 23.46 N. However, since the question gives answers without decimals, we approximate to the closest given answer which is 23 N. Hence, the answer is option 2).