Published by:
CGP EDU Academic Team
Published on: September 12, 2026
In the following figure, find the direction of friction on the blocks and ground.

Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
A
Step 1: Analyze the situation where there are two blocks A and B with velocities \( V_A = 3 \text{ m/s} \) to the left and \( V_B = 6 \text{ m/s} \) to the right.
Step 2: Block A experiences a force \( F = 5 \text{ N} \) directed rightward, which will attempt to accelerate it rightwards as well. Block B also experiences a frictional force due to its motion.
Step 3: Determine the direction of friction on block A: since block A is moving left (against the applied force) and friction opposes the relative motion between block A and block B, the friction will act on block A to the left.
Step 4: For block B, which is moving to the right with a friction force acting on it, the friction will also oppose its motion, so it acts to the left.
Step 5: The ground is stationary, and the friction force between the ground and block B acts to the right to oppose the motion of block B.
Step 6: Finalize the directions:
- For block A: Left
- For block B: Left
- For the ground with respect to block B: Right
Therefore, the directions of friction are consistent with opposing the motion of each object.
Step 2: Block A experiences a force \( F = 5 \text{ N} \) directed rightward, which will attempt to accelerate it rightwards as well. Block B also experiences a frictional force due to its motion.
Step 3: Determine the direction of friction on block A: since block A is moving left (against the applied force) and friction opposes the relative motion between block A and block B, the friction will act on block A to the left.
Step 4: For block B, which is moving to the right with a friction force acting on it, the friction will also oppose its motion, so it acts to the left.
Step 5: The ground is stationary, and the friction force between the ground and block B acts to the right to oppose the motion of block B.
Step 6: Finalize the directions:
- For block A: Left
- For block B: Left
- For the ground with respect to block B: Right
Therefore, the directions of friction are consistent with opposing the motion of each object.
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