A uniform cube of side a and mass M rests on a horizontal surface. A horizontal force F is applied to the top of the cube as in Figure. This force is not sufficient to move or tip the cube.

(a) Show that the force of static friction exerted by the surface and the applied force constitute a couple, and find the torque exerted by the couple.

(b) This couple is balanced by the couple consisting of the normal force exerted by the surface and the weight of the cube. Use this fact to find the effective point of application of the normal force when F = Mg/3.

(c) What is the greatest magnitude of F for which the cube will not tip?

Transcribed Image Text:

F a M 1.