Question

A vice pushes on a system of three boards, each oriented vertically and held up by horizontal forces. The outer boards weigh 90 N and the inner board weighs 118 N. The coefficient of friction between the inner and the outer boards is 0.67. What is the magnitude of one of the compression forces acting on either side of the inner board?

Answer 1

88.1 N

Step-by-step explanation:

As shown in the free body diagram attached to the question, the only forces acting on the inner block include in the required vertical direction.

- Its Weight.

- Frictional forces as a result of the Two compression forces.

If the block is not to slip off, the weights must match the two frictional forces

Let the compressive forces be F and frictional force be Fr

Fr = μ F

Sum of force acting on the inner block in the y-direction

Fr + Fr - W = 0

μ F + μ F = mg

2 μF = 118

2(0.67) F = 118

F = 118/1.34

F = 88.1 N

Each of the compression forces is 88.1 N

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