Question

A block is placed on a rough floor and a horizontal force F is applied on it. The force of friction f by the floor on the block is measured for different values of F and a graph is plotted between them.
(a) The graph is a straight line of slope 45°.
(b) The graph is a straight line parallel to the F-axis.
(c) The graph is a straight line of slope 45° for small F and a straight line parallel to the F-axis for large F.
(d) There is a small kink on the graph.

Answer 1

(c) The graph is a straight line of slope 45° for small F and a straight line parallel to the F-axis for large F.
(d) There is a small kink on the graph.



When force F is applied on the block, the force of friction f comes into play. As we increase the applied F, the static friction force adjusts itself to become (equal) to the applied force F and goes upto its maximum value equal to limiting friction force.After this ,it is treated as a constant force (i.e . now its value does not change until and unless the body starts moving). If the applied force F is greater than the limiting friction force, then the kinetic friction force comes into play at that time. The kinetic friction force is always less than the limiting friction force.