The constant force applied to keep an object in place is the ? force.

The constant force applied to keep an object in place is the ? force.

• A. Friction
• B. Static
• C. Sheer
• D. Lifting

Answer: (B)

When an object rests on a surface, the force that resists starting to move is static friction. It doesn’t have a fixed value; it adjusts to match the horizontal force you apply, up to a maximum of μs times the normal force. So a constant push can be balanced by static friction, keeping the object in place as long as the push doesn’t exceed that maximum. If the push becomes larger, motion starts and kinetic friction takes over. The other terms don’t fit this scenario: friction is the general idea, but the specific situation of an object at rest involves static friction; shear is a different type of force causing deformation, not preventing sliding; lifting is an upward force against gravity, not the horizontal prevent-within-a-plane force.

When an object rests on a surface, the force that resists starting to move is static friction. It doesn’t have a fixed value; it adjusts to match the horizontal force you apply, up to a maximum of μs times the normal force. So a constant push can be balanced by static friction, keeping the object in place as long as the push doesn’t exceed that maximum. If the push becomes larger, motion starts and kinetic friction takes over. The other terms don’t fit this scenario: friction is the general idea, but the specific situation of an object at rest involves static friction; shear is a different type of force causing deformation, not preventing sliding; lifting is an upward force against gravity, not the horizontal prevent-within-a-plane force.