Calculating Force of Friction on a Sliding Block on a Ramp

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between a block of weight W Newtons and a ramp at an angle A degrees above the horizontal. The focus is on finding the force of friction and coefficient of friction when the block begins to slide. It is mentioned that the normal force and force parallel to the ramp have already been solved for. The conversation also touches on the critical angle where friction is equal to the component of gravitational force parallel to the plane. Once the block starts sliding, the frictional force becomes smaller and there is some acceleration. To find the frictional force in this scenario, the angle can be reduced to achieve constant velocity after giving the block a small push. It is concluded that the force parallel to the ramp is equal to the
  • #1
poikonen03
2
0
There is a block of W Newtons and a ramp is A degrees above the horizontal. At this angle the block begins to slide. How do I find the force of friction and then it should be quite easy to find coefficient of friction. (I already have already solve for the normal force Fw and the force parallel the ramp Fp)?
 
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  • #2
If you solved for the normal force, you were very close to finding the component of gravitational force parallel to the plane. Friction overcomes (equals in magnitude) that force for small angles. When the block begins to slide, friction has just been overcome. At that critical angle, the component of gravity parallel to the plane equals the force of friction.

Once sliding starts, the frictional force gets smaller and there is some acceleration. To find the frictional force when the block is sliding, reduce the angle to achieve constant velocity after you give the block a little push to get it started.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
so basically F sub P (force parallel to ramp) = F sub F (force of friction) since there is no accel...so F sub N (normal force) * Coefficient of Friction = F sub F
thanks :smile:
 

1. What is a sliding block on ramp?

A sliding block on ramp is a physics concept that involves a block placed on an inclined plane, or ramp, and the block sliding down the ramp due to the force of gravity. It is a common experiment used to demonstrate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

2. How does the angle of the ramp affect the sliding block?

The angle of the ramp affects the sliding block by changing the force of gravity acting on the block. The steeper the angle, the greater the force of gravity and the faster the block will slide down the ramp. This relationship can be mathematically represented by the formula F=mgSinθ, where F is the force of gravity, m is the mass of the block, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of the ramp.

3. What factors can affect the speed of the sliding block on ramp?

The speed of the sliding block on ramp can be affected by several factors, including the angle of the ramp, the mass of the block, and the coefficient of friction between the block and the ramp surface. The presence of external forces, such as air resistance, can also impact the speed of the sliding block.

4. How does the mass of the block affect the sliding block on ramp?

The mass of the block affects the sliding block on ramp by changing the force of gravity acting on the block. A heavier block will have a greater force of gravity and will slide down the ramp faster than a lighter block. This relationship can be mathematically represented by the formula F=mg, where F is the force of gravity, m is the mass of the block, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

5. What is the coefficient of friction and how does it affect the sliding block on ramp?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of the frictional force between two surfaces in contact. It affects the sliding block on ramp by creating a resistance force that acts against the motion of the block. A higher coefficient of friction will result in a slower sliding block, while a lower coefficient of friction will result in a faster sliding block.

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