A book of mass M is pressed against the wall by an external force F , which according to the sketch is inclined downwards by an angle of 30 degrees. The coefficient of friction between the book and the wall is μ = 0 . 5 .
Does the book hold on the wall?
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The force F can be divided into tangential and normal components: F = F ∥ + F ⊥ = − F sin ( 3 0 ∘ ) e z + F cos ( 3 0 ∘ ) e x The normal component of the force determines the maximal frictional force: F f ≤ μ ∣ F ⊥ ∣ Together with gravitation, a net force results in the vertical direction to ( F g + F + F f ) ⋅ e z ≤ − M g − F sin ( 3 0 ∘ ) + μ F cos ( 3 0 ∘ ) = − M g − 2 1 F + 2 1 2 3 F = − M g − 4 2 − 3 F < 0 Since the total force is always negative, the book fall towards regardless of the strength of the force F .
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Let us first look at what happens if the weight is zero, F g = 0 . The normal force (that pushes the book to the wall) is N = F cos 3 0 = 0 . 8 6 6 F . The friction force F f ≤ μ N = ( 0 . 5 ) ( 0 . 8 6 6 ) F = 0 . 4 3 3 F has to balance the force parallel to the wall, F sin 3 0 = 0 . 5 F . Since the maximum value of the friction force is 0 . 4 3 3 F , there is no way to have stable equilibrium. Adding the weight destroys the stabilty even more.