The total force needed to drag a box at constant speed across a surface with coefficient of kinetic friction $\theta$ _k is least when the force is applied at an angle $\theta$ such that A)sin$\theta$ = $\mu$_k. B)cos$\theta$ = $\mu$_k. C)tan$\theta$ = $\mu$_k. D)cot$\theta$ = $\mu$_k. E)sec$\theta$ = $\mu$_k.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force needed is minimized when the angle θ is such that the horizontal component of the force equals the frictional force. This occurs when tan(θ) = μ_k, where μ_k is the coefficient of kinetic friction.

The Total Force Needed to Drag a Box at Constant θ\thetaθ

The Total Force Needed to Drag a Box at Constant $\theta$