Physics (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118486897
ISBN 13: 978-1-11848-689-4

Chapter 4 - Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion - Check Your Understanding - Page 100: 17

Answer

Rank the forces in ascending order: (c) - (a) - (b)

Work Step by Step

To move the box, any force has to surpass $f_s^{max}$. In other words, the required force $F$ to start the box sliding has to be such that $$F=f_s^{max}=\mu_sF_N$$ 1) Case 1: the elevator is stationary Here $F_N=m_{box}g$. So $F_1=\mu_sm_{box}g$ 2) Case 2: the elevator is accelerating upward The elevator accelerating upward means the upward force $F_N$ exceeds the downward one $m_{box}g$. According to Newton's 2nd law, $$F_N-m_{box}g=m_{box}a$$ $$F_N=m_{box}(g+a)$$ So $F_2=\mu_sm_{box}(g+a)$ 3) Case 3: the elevator is accelerating downward The elevator accelerating downward means the upward force $F_N$ is smaller than the downward one $m_{box}g$. According to Newton's 2nd law, $$m_{box}g-F_N=m_{box}a$$ $$F_N=m_{box}(g-a)$$ So $F_3=\mu_sm_{box}(g-a)$ Therefore, in short, we have $F_3\lt F_1\lt F_2$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.