A $20\,kg$ block is initially at rest on a rough horizontal surface. A horizontal force of $75\,N$ is required to set the block in motion. After it is in motion, a horizontal force of $60\,N$ is required to keep the block moving with constant speed. The coefficient of static friction is
(A) $0.60$
(B) $0.44$
(C) $0.52$
(D) $0.38$
Answer
300.3k+ views
Hint Since the question is asking about the coefficient of static friction, you need to consider the force which is required to change the state of the block from rest to motion. Maximum static friction is nothing but the maximum amount of friction that can act on a body while it is in rest. Hence, to change a body’s state from rest to motion, you need to apply at least the amount of force equal to the maximum static friction.
Complete step by step answer
As explained in the hint section of the solution to the asked question, we need to consider the force which is needed to set the block in motion since the question is only asking us about the coefficient of static friction. The coefficient of static friction is the deciding factor in the maximum amount of friction that can be applied on an object or body which is currently at rest and if someone wants to set the object or the body in motion, they have to apply the amount of force which is at least equal to or more than the maximum static friction that can be applied on the object.
Let us have a look at the relevant information given in the question:
Mass of the block, $m = 20\,kg$
Horizontal force required to set the block in motion, ${f_h} = 75\,N$
Now, since there is no motion in vertical direction, we can safely say that the normal reaction force balances the weight of the block, hence:
$
N = W \\
N = mg \\
N = 20 \times 10 = 200\,N \\
$
Friction is given as:
${f_s} = {\mu _s}N$
Since the force needed to set the block in motion is given, we can write:
${f_s} = {f_h}$
Substituting their values, we get:
$
{\mu _s}\left( {200} \right) = 75 \\
\Rightarrow {\mu _s} = 0.375 \\
\Rightarrow {\mu _s} \approx 0.38 \\
$
As we can see, this matches with the value given in the option (D). Hence, the correct answer is option (D).
Note The main confusion can be the deduction about which of the two given forces we need to use so as to find the value of coefficient of static friction. As we explained that to find the value of coefficient of static friction, we need to consider only the force which needs to set the block in motion from rest.
Complete step by step answer
As explained in the hint section of the solution to the asked question, we need to consider the force which is needed to set the block in motion since the question is only asking us about the coefficient of static friction. The coefficient of static friction is the deciding factor in the maximum amount of friction that can be applied on an object or body which is currently at rest and if someone wants to set the object or the body in motion, they have to apply the amount of force which is at least equal to or more than the maximum static friction that can be applied on the object.
Let us have a look at the relevant information given in the question:
Mass of the block, $m = 20\,kg$
Horizontal force required to set the block in motion, ${f_h} = 75\,N$
Now, since there is no motion in vertical direction, we can safely say that the normal reaction force balances the weight of the block, hence:
$
N = W \\
N = mg \\
N = 20 \times 10 = 200\,N \\
$
Friction is given as:
${f_s} = {\mu _s}N$
Since the force needed to set the block in motion is given, we can write:
${f_s} = {f_h}$
Substituting their values, we get:
$
{\mu _s}\left( {200} \right) = 75 \\
\Rightarrow {\mu _s} = 0.375 \\
\Rightarrow {\mu _s} \approx 0.38 \\
$
As we can see, this matches with the value given in the option (D). Hence, the correct answer is option (D).
Note The main confusion can be the deduction about which of the two given forces we need to use so as to find the value of coefficient of static friction. As we explained that to find the value of coefficient of static friction, we need to consider only the force which needs to set the block in motion from rest.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion In A Plane - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

