Two boxes of the same mass sit on a rough floor. These boxes are made of the same kind of cardboard and are identical except that one is twice as large as the other. If it takes $200 \mathrm{~N}$ to start moving the smaller box, how much force does it take to start moving the larger one?
A) Still $200 \mathrm{~N}$
B) $400 \mathrm{~N}$
C) $800 \mathrm{~N}$
D) It depends (specify)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force required to start moving an object on a rough surface primarily depends on the mass of the object and the coefficient of friction between the object and the surface, not on the size or surface area of the object in contact with the ground. Since both boxes have the same mass and are made of the same material, the force required to overcome static friction and start moving either box is the same, $200 \mathrm{~N}$.

Two Boxes of the Same Mass Sit on a Rough 200 N200 \mathrm{~N}200 N

Two Boxes of the Same Mass Sit on a Rough $200 \mathrm{~N}$