Final answer:
To determine the force P required to maintain the 200-kg engine in position, we need to consider the equilibrium of forces acting on the engine. The force P must be equal and opposite to the force of friction acting on the engine.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the force P required to maintain the 200-kg engine in position, we need to consider the equilibrium of forces acting on the engine. Since the weight of the engine is negligible, we only need to consider the horizontal forces. In this case, the force P must be equal and opposite to the force of friction acting on the engine.
Using the given information, we can calculate the force of friction using the equation
force of friction = coefficient of friction × normal force
Since the engine is in equilibrium, the force of friction must be equal to the force P. Therefore, we can find the force P by calculating the force of friction.