A horizontal force of 10 N is necessary to just hold a block stationary against a wall. The coe

step 1 In this question, we are given a block held against a wall by a force of 10 neutrons. The coeffi

A horizontal force of 10 N is necessary to just hold a...

A horizontal force of $10 \mathrm{~N}$ is necessary to just hold a block stationary against a wall. The coefficient of friction between the block and the wall is $0.2$. The weight of the block is [AIFEE 2003] (a) $2 \underline{N}$ (b) $20 \mathrm{~N}$ (c) $50 \mathrm{~N}$ (d) $100 \mathrm{~N}$

A horizontal force of $10 \mathrm{~N}$ is necessary to just hold a block stationary against a wall. The coefficient of friction between the block and the wall is $0.2$. The weight of the block is [AIFEE 2003]
(a) $2 \underline{N}$
(b) $20 \mathrm{~N}$
(c) $50 \mathrm{~N}$
(d) $100 \mathrm{~N}$

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Key Concepts

Static Friction

Static friction is the force that prevents two contacting surfaces from sliding relative to one another. It is the force responsible for keeping the block from sliding down the wall when a normal force is applied, and its maximum value is given by the product of the normal force and the coefficient of static friction.

Normal Force

The normal force is the reactive force exerted perpendicular to the surface in contact with an object. In this scenario, the horizontal force applied to the block against the wall serves as the normal force, which then determines the maximum available frictional force.

Equilibrium Conditions

In static equilibrium, all the forces acting on an object balance so that the net force is zero. For the block to remain stationary, the upward static frictional force must exactly counterbalance the downward gravitational force (weight) acting on it.

Coefficient of Friction

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the ratio of the maximum static frictional force to the normal force. It is critical in determining how much frictional force is available to oppose other forces, such as the gravitational force acting on the block.

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