Overcoming static friction - easy

In summary, the conversation discusses a tug of war between a 100kg man and a 1500kg elephant with a coefficient of static friction of 1.0. The force needed to move the elephant is calculated to be 14,700N and the man would slip, but not necessarily fall, if he could exert such a force. This is due to the low friction on ice.
  • #1
joel amos
104
0

Homework Statement


A very strong 100kg man is having a tug of war with a 1500 kg elephant. The coefficient of static friction for both on the ground is 1.0.
a) Find the force needed to move the elephant.
b) What would happen if the man could actually exert such a force?

Homework Equations


Ff = μs * Fn
FN = mg

The Attempt at a Solution


a) Using the above equations, I got the total frictional force, and thus the applied force to be 14,700 N. Is this correct?
b) The man would slip and fall. <----- Is that what they're looking for?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi joel! :smile:
joel amos said:
a) Using the above equations, I got the total frictional force, and thus the applied force to be 14,700 N. Is this correct?

looks good! :smile:
b) The man would slip and fall. <----- Is that what they're looking for?

he would slip, but why would he fall?

hint: what would happen on ice? :wink:​
 

FAQ: Overcoming static friction - easy

What is static friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents an object from moving when a force is applied to it. It occurs between two surfaces in contact with each other and is caused by the microscopic irregularities on the surfaces.

What are some common examples of static friction?

Some common examples of static friction include pushing a heavy object on the ground, trying to move a book on a table, and opening a jar lid.

How can I overcome static friction?

Static friction can be overcome by applying a force greater than the force of static friction. This can be achieved by increasing the force applied, reducing the weight of the object, or by using lubricants to reduce the friction between the surfaces.

Why is it important to overcome static friction?

Overcoming static friction is important because it allows objects to move and reduces the amount of energy needed to overcome resistance. It also prevents damage to surfaces and helps with the efficiency of machines.

What factors affect the amount of static friction?

The amount of static friction is affected by factors such as the weight of the object, the roughness of the surfaces, and the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces. It also depends on the normal force applied and the angle at which the force is applied.

Similar threads

Static Friction Between a Box and the Floor
Replies
11
Views
2K
How can I determine the instant the block overcomes static friction?
2
Replies
61
Views
1K
How Do I Determine Force of Static Friction on a Rolling Car
Replies
15
Views
2K
Coefficient of Friction when Normal Force is Reduced [HS]
Replies
5
Views
1K
Stopping distance and static friction
Replies
1
Views
3K
Motion when Kinetic Friction is more than Static Friction
Replies
10
Views
2K
Static friction rotating an object
Replies
10
Views
2K
Friction between tractor tyres and the ground
Replies
4
Views
760
Frictional Forces on a Wooden Crate with External Forces
Replies
1
Views
1K
Static Friction in Circular Motion
Replies
3
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top