We know that the formula for static friction is:
Fs = μ N
where,
μ is the coefficient of static friction = 0.180
N is the normal force = weight of the cup = m g
We also know that from the Newton’s second law of motion, the formula for net force is:
Fnet = m a
where m is the mass of the cup and a is the acceleration of the cup
To prevent the cup from sliding backward, the static friction Fs must cancel out the net Force Fnet, that is:
Fnet – Fs = 0
Therefore:
m a – μ N = 0
m a = μ N
m a = μ (m g)
Cancelling m:
a = μ g
a = 0.180 (9.81 m / s^2)
a = 1.7658 m / s^2
Therefore the plane can only have an acceleration of about 1.77 m/s^2 before the cup starts to slide.