Question

You push against a steamer trunk with a force of 800 n at an angle alpha with the horizontal . the trunk is on a flat floor and the coefficient of static friction between the trunk and floor is 0.55. the mass of the trunk is 87 kg. what is the largest value of alpha that will allow you to move the trunk?

Answer 1

The formula for this problem that we will be using is:
F * cos α = m * g * μs where:F = 800m = 87g = 9.8
cos α = m*g*μs/F= 87*9.8*0.55/800= 0.59 So solving the alpha, find the arccos above.
α = arccos 0.59 = 54 ° is the largest value of alpha