Question

A block of mass 0.1 kg is held against a wall by applying a horizontal force of 5N on the block. If the coefficient of friction between the block and the wall is 0.5, the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block is

Answer 1

The frictional force will be directed upwards as shown as gravity will be assisting its motion and the frictional force will be due to 5 N force normal to the block towards the wall.

Hence max.

static frictional force: $F=0.5\times 5=2.5N$

Force due to mass of block= mg = $0.1\times 10=1N$

Since it is less than max static frictional force hence frictional force on

the block will be 1 N.