A 15 kg box rests on the floor of a trolley. The coefficient of static friction between the box and trolley is 0.12. What is the maximum horizontal acceleration of the trolley for which the box does not slip? Take g = 10 m·s⁻².
Options

Question

A 15 kg box rests on the floor of a trolley. The coefficient of static friction between the box and trolley is 0.12. What is the maximum horizontal acceleration of the trolley for which the box does not slip? Take g = 10 m·s⁻².

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: The box must accelerate with the trolley using friction as the only horizontal force. Required force is F = ma. Step 2: Maximum static friction is f(max) = μₛN = μₛmg because N = mg. Step 3: No slipping requires ma ≤ μₛmg, so a(max) = μₛg. Step 4: a(max) = 0.12 × 10 = 1.2 m·s⁻². Final answer: 1.2 m·s⁻² (Option B).