Why is it easier to pull a body than to push it?
Let F be the Force applied to pull a body of mass m as shown in fig (i) . F Cosθand F Sinθare the components of mass F, whereθis the angle between the force F and horizontal. The Normal reactionis given by R1 = mg - FSinθ. Ifμkis the coefficientof kinetic friction, then frictionforce is given by,
f1=μkR1 =μk(mg -F Sinθ) .......................... 1
If the same force F is applied to push the body the normal reaction,
R2 =(mg +F Sinθ)
The kinetic friction is given by,
f2=μkR2=μk(mg +F Sinθ)...