Answer: The minimum Static force is [tex]F_{s}[/tex] = - 238.24 N.
Explanation: To determine the Static Friction Force, use:
[tex]F_{s}[/tex] = μ · [tex]F_{N}[/tex], where:
μ is coeficient of static force;
[tex]F_{N}[/tex] is the force perpendicular to the surface called normal force;
As the sled is up a hill with 15⁰ of grade, normal force is:
[tex]F_{N}[/tex] = m.g.cosθ
[tex]F_{N}[/tex] = 80*9.8*cos(15)
[tex]F_{N}[/tex] = - 595.6 N
The coeficient of static force is a known value: μ = 0.4, which is the coeficient of friction necessary to maintain the sled on the verge of sliding back the hill.
Calculating:
[tex]F_{s}[/tex] = μ · [tex]F_{N}[/tex]
[tex]F_{s}[/tex] = 0.4 . (- 595.6)
[tex]F_{s}[/tex] = - 238.24 N
The minimun necessary to keep Dave on the top of the hill is [tex]F_{s}[/tex] = - 238.24N. The negative sign indicates the sled is moving against the reference.