Relative Ease of Pulling versus Pushing a Heavy Object

To analyze the given statements, we consider the physics of friction and the forces acting on a body during pulling and pushing.

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Analysis of STATEMENT-1:

Consider a block of mass $m$ resting on a rough horizontal ground with a coefficient of friction $\mu$.

1. Pulling the object:
   When a force $F$ is applied at an angle $\theta$ above the horizontal to pull the object:

   • Balancing forces in the vertical direction gives:
     $N_{\text{pull}} + F\sin\theta = mg \implies N_{\text{pull}} = mg - F\sin\theta$
   • The maximum (limiting) frictional force is:
     $f_{\text{pull}} = \mu N_{\text{pull}} = \mu (mg - F\sin\theta)$

2. Pushing the object:
   When a force $F$ is applied at an angle $\theta$ below the horizontal to push the object:

   • Balancing forces in the vertical direction gives:
     $N_{\text{push}} = mg + F\sin\theta$
   • The maximum (limiting) frictional force is:
     $f_{\text{push}} = \mu N_{\text{push}} = \mu (mg + F\sin\theta)$

Comparing the normal reactions and corresponding frictional forces:
$N_{\text{pull}} < N_{\text{push}} \implies f_{\text{pull}} < f_{\text{push}}$

Since the effective frictional force opposing motion is smaller when pulling than when pushing, it is easier to pull a heavy object than to push it on a level ground.

Thus, STATEMENT-1 is True.

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Analysis of STATEMENT-2:

The magnitude of the frictional force is given by $f = \mu N$, where $\mu$ is the coefficient of friction. The value of $\mu$ depends on the physical properties, roughness, and material composition of the two surfaces in contact.

Thus, STATEMENT-2 is True.

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Relationship between STATEMENT-1 and STATEMENT-2:

STATEMENT-1 is true because pulling reduces the normal reaction force $N$ (via the upward vertical component $F\sin\theta$), thereby decreasing the frictional resistance. STATEMENT-2 states that friction depends on the nature of the surfaces (which determines $\mu$). While STATEMENT-2 is a correct statement regarding friction, it does not explain why pulling results in a smaller normal reaction than pushing.

Therefore, STATEMENT-2 is NOT the correct explanation for STATEMENT-1.

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Conclusion:

• STATEMENT-1 is True.
• STATEMENT-2 is True.
• STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1.

Correct Answer: (B)