---
title: "A block of mass \\(m\\) is held at rest against a vertical wall by a horizontal force of magnitude \\(F\\) directed toward the wall. The coefficient of static friction between the block and the wall is \\(\\mu_s\\). If the magnitude of the horizontal force is increased to \\(2F\\) and the block remains stationary, which of the following describes the change, if any, to the magnitude of the frictional force exerted by the wall on the block?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109771/"
date_modified: "2026-03-31T09:54:49+00:00"
---

# A block of mass \(m\) is held at rest against a vertical wall by a horizontal force of magnitude \(F\) directed toward the wall. The coefficient of static friction between the block and the wall is \(\mu_s\). If the magnitude of the horizontal force is increased to \(2F\) and the block remains stationary, which of the following describes the change, if any, to the magnitude of the frictional force exerted by the wall on the block?

A block of mass \(m\) is held at rest against a vertical wall by a horizontal force of magnitude \(F\) directed toward the wall. The coefficient of static friction between the block and the wall is \(\mu_s\). If the magnitude of the horizontal force is increased to \(2F\) and the block remains stationary, which of the following describes the change, if any, to the magnitude of the frictional force exerted by the wall on the block?

![A side-view diagram showing a rectangular block of mass m against a vertical wall on the right. A horizontal arrow labeled F points from the left toward the block, pushing it into the wall. Gravity points downward. The surface of the wall is textured to indicate friction.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-diagrams/ubq-frq-generatedstem-fig-1-1774950889-nIIcNJ.jpg)

- **A.** The frictional force increases because the normal force increases, and the frictional force is always equal to \(\mu_s\) times the normal force.
- **B.** The frictional force stays the same because the block remains in translational equilibrium, and the vertical component of the net force must remain zero.
- **C.** The frictional force stays the same because the coefficient of static friction is a constant property of the two surfaces and does not depend on the applied force.
- **D.** The frictional force increases because the block is pressed more firmly against the wall, requiring a larger upward force to prevent it from slipping.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109771/*