Question

Consult to explore a model for solving this problem. A person pushes on a 61-kg refrigerator with a horizontal force of -250 N; the minus sign indicates that the force points in the -x direction. The coefficient of static friction is 0.66. (a) If the refrigerator does not move, what are the magnitude and direction of the static frictional force that the floor exerts on the refrigerator? (b) What is the magnitude of the largest pushing force that can be applied to the refrigerator before it just begins to move? Assume g = 9.8 m/s2.

Answer 1

If the refrigerator does not move, the static frictional force that the floor exerts on the refrigerator is 250 N Magnitude of the frictional force is, 250 N Negative sign indi cates that the frictional force is opposite to the applied force on the refrigerator. Since the force exerted on refrigerator is pointed in- x direction, So the frictional force is pointed in + x-direction The magnitude of the largest pushing force is = (0.66) (61 kg)(9.8 m/s2) 394.548 N 394.5 N