Push Or Pull?
Classical Mechanics
Level
1
I want to move a heavy box across the hall, which has a rough floor. Is it easier for me to push or pull?
The arrows denote the application of force on the box.
Push
Pull
Both are equally exhausting
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1 solution
Relevant wiki: Friction
When an object slides on a rough surface, a force of friction arises due to interaction between the object and the surface. The maximum value of this force is directly proportional to the normal force acting on the surface due to the object. When the object is pushed down, this normal force increases and thus the maximum value of friction force increases. And more work has to be done to overcome this. On the other hand when it is pulled, the normal reaction is reduced which makes it easier to move the object.