a spring lies on a horizontal table, and the left end of the spring is attached to the wall. the other is connected to a box. the box is pulled to the right, stretching the spring static friction exists between the table and the box
To understand the situation, let's break it down step by step:
1. A spring lies on a horizontal table, implying that there is no vertical displacement of the spring.
2. The left end of the spring is attached to the wall, which means one end of the spring is fixed.
3. The other end of the spring is connected to a box, indicating that the spring is pulling the box towards the left.
4. The box is pulled to the right, implying an external force is acting on the box in the opposite direction of the spring's pull.
Given that static friction exists between the table and the box, it means that there is a force opposing the motion of the box when it is being pulled. This frictional force prevents the box from sliding freely on the table.
To determine the maximum force that can be exerted on the box without causing it to move, we need to consider the static friction coefficient (μs) between the box and the table. The static frictional force (Fs) can be calculated using the formula:
Fs = μs * N
Where:
- Fs is the static frictional force
- μs is the static friction coefficient
- N is the normal force
In this case, the normal force (N) is equal to the weight of the box since it is on a horizontal table. The normal force can be calculated using the formula:
N = mg
Where:
- m is the mass of the box
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (~9.8 m/s^2)
Once we have calculated the normal force, we can substitute it into the static frictional force formula to determine the maximum force that can be applied before the box starts moving.