Determine the smallest coefficient of friction

For the cylinder to start rolling up the incline, the force of friction must be equal to or greater than the force of gravity pulling the cylinder down the incline. Therefore, the proper FBD would be one with a normal force perpendicular to the 30 degree incline and a friction force acting along the same line. In summary, to determine the smallest coefficient of static friction for the cylinder to start rolling up the incline, the force of friction must be equal to or greater than the force of gravity and the proper FBD would have a normal force perpendicular to the incline and a friction force along the same line.
  • #1
blackandyello
11
0

Homework Statement


The horizontal force P acts on the rim of the homogeneous cylinder of radius R and weight W. Determine the smallest coefficient of static friction that enables the cylinder to start rolling up the 30◦ incline.


Homework Equations



*depends on the fbd. refer below

The Attempt at a Solution



since its being ask for the coefficient of friction, which FBD would be correct? should it be a vertical normal force with friction force going on left, or should it be the normal force facing perpendicularly the 30 degree include while the friction is along the 30 degree line also. which is the proper fbd? tnx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Friction acts tangentially to the radius of a cylinder, and the force of friction is proportional to the normal force on a surface.
 

1. What is the smallest coefficient of friction?

The smallest coefficient of friction is a measure of the force needed to move one surface over another. It is a dimensionless quantity between 0 and 1, with 0 representing no friction and 1 representing the highest possible friction.

2. How is the smallest coefficient of friction determined?

The smallest coefficient of friction can be determined through experiments and measurements. By applying a known force to an object and measuring the resulting motion, the coefficient of friction can be calculated using the formula μ = F/N, where μ is the coefficient of friction, F is the applied force, and N is the normal force.

3. Why is the smallest coefficient of friction important?

The smallest coefficient of friction is important in understanding how easily objects can move or slide against each other. It is crucial in engineering and design, as well as in everyday tasks such as walking, driving, and using tools.

4. What factors affect the smallest coefficient of friction?

The smallest coefficient of friction can be affected by several factors, including the nature of the surfaces in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, the amount of force applied, and the presence of any lubricants.

5. Can the smallest coefficient of friction be zero?

In theory, the smallest coefficient of friction can be zero, meaning there is no resistance to motion between two surfaces. However, in practical applications, there will always be some amount of friction due to imperfections in the surfaces and other factors.

Similar threads

Friction - problem with one of the equilibrium equations
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
809
Direction of static friction between a vehicle and circular dome
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Static friction coefficient for a crate in the back of a truck
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Is there any friction in this case?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
616
Calculating acceleration from the coefficient of kinetic friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
Finding Radial Force from Free Body Diagram
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
When Friction the block m2 start to move?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
Is friction really always related to the normal force?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Friction force on an inclined plane
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Truck carrying a box, friction problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top