User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2022 Marks available 1 Reference code 22M.1.HL.TZ2.7
Level Higher level Paper Paper 1 Time zone 2
Command term Question number 7 Adapted from N/A

Question

A book of mass m lies on top of a table of mass M that rolls freely along the ground. The coefficient of friction between the book and the table is μ. A person is pushing the rolling table.

What is the maximum acceleration of the table so that the book does not slide backwards relative to the table?

A.  gμ

B.  μg

C.  mgMμ

D.  mMμg

Markscheme

B

Examiners report

Over half the candidates incorrectly chose option D. The book is only able to accelerate because of the friction force between the table and the book which depends on μ and the normal reaction force (mg) so independent of M, immediately eliminating options C and D.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 2: Mechanics » 2.2 – Forces
Show 99 related questions
Core » Topic 2: Mechanics
Core

View options