Accelerating Wedges with Friction

In summary, the conversation discusses a block resting on an inclined wedge and the coefficient of friction between them. It then asks for the minimum and maximum values of horizontal acceleration for the block to remain on the wedge without sliding, given a certain condition. The solution involves calculating the normal force and static friction force, and determining the range of values for a.
  • #1
americanforest
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Homework Statement



A block rests on a wedge inclined at an angle [tex]\theta[/tex]. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is [tex]\mu[/tex].Let the wedge move with horizontal acceleration a to the right. Assuming
that tan [tex]tan(\theta) < \mu[/tex], find the minimum value of a for the block to remain on the wedge without sliding.

Also find the maximum value of a.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]mgcos(\theta)+masin(\theta)=F_{normal};
\tex{mgcos(\theta)+\mu (F_{normal})=macos(\theta);

a=\frac{g(sin+\mu cos}{cos - \mu sin}[/tex]

which gives wacky limiting values and isn't a range at all but just one value.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Have a bit correction with this one: [tex]F_{static friction} \leq \mu F_{normal}[/tex]
Also, there must be a condition for a to be positive, as a acts to the right.
 

1. What is an accelerating wedge with friction?

An accelerating wedge with friction is a simple machine that consists of a triangular-shaped object with a flat surface, known as a wedge, and a sloping surface, known as an incline. When a force is applied to the wedge, it can move objects by sliding or rolling them up the incline. The presence of friction between the wedge and the incline allows for the object to accelerate as it moves up the incline.

2. How does a wedge with friction accelerate an object?

A wedge with friction accelerates an object by converting the applied force into two components: a normal force perpendicular to the incline and a parallel force parallel to the incline. The parallel force causes the object to move up the incline, while the normal force counteracts the force of gravity. The combination of these forces results in an acceleration of the object up the incline.

3. What factors affect the acceleration of an object on a wedge with friction?

The acceleration of an object on a wedge with friction is affected by several factors, including the applied force, the angle of the incline, the mass and shape of the object, and the coefficient of friction between the wedge and the incline. The greater the applied force or the smaller the angle of the incline, the greater the acceleration will be. A heavier or more irregularly shaped object may experience less acceleration due to increased friction, and a higher coefficient of friction between the wedge and the incline will also decrease the acceleration.

4. How does friction affect the acceleration of an object on a wedge?

Friction plays a crucial role in the acceleration of an object on a wedge. Without friction, the object would not be able to move up the incline at all. The presence of friction between the wedge and the incline allows for the conversion of the applied force into two components, as mentioned in the answer to question 2. However, too much friction can also slow down the acceleration of the object, as it creates a counterforce to the applied force. Therefore, it is essential to consider the coefficient of friction when calculating the acceleration of an object on a wedge with friction.

5. What are some real-life applications of accelerating wedges with friction?

Accelerating wedges with friction have many practical applications in our daily lives. Some examples include doorstops, nail clippers, axes, and even zippers. They are also commonly used in construction and manufacturing industries, such as in conveyor belts and loading ramps. The principles of accelerating wedges with friction are also utilized in engineering and physics experiments to study motion and forces.

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