A box rests on the (horizontal) back of a truck. The coefficient of static friction between the box and the surface on which it rests is 0.24. What maximum distance can the truck travel (starting from rest and moving horizontally with constant acceleration) in 3.0 s without having the box slide?
A) 14 m
B) 11 m
C) 19 m
D) 24 m
E) 29 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the formula for maximum distance traveled with constant acceleration without slipping, $d = \frac{1}{2}at^2 + \mu_s g t$, where $\mu_s$ is the coefficient of static friction and $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (assumed to be $9.8 	ext{ m/s}^2$):

$d = \frac{1}{2}(0.24)(9.8)(3.0)^2 = 11.09 \approx 11	ext{ m}$

Therefore, the maximum distance the truck can travel without the box sliding is 11 m, which is answer choice B.

A Box Rests on the (Horizontal) Back of a Truck