Find the Range of Forces for Which Block Does Not Slide

In summary, the conversation discusses a block on a wedge and the forces acting upon it. The goal is to find the range of values for the horizontal force F that will prevent the block from sliding. A free-body diagram is suggested and the components of gravity and the coefficient of static friction are considered. The concept of normal force is introduced and its role in keeping the block on the wedge is discussed. The conversation ends with clarifying the components of gravity and how it relates to the normal force.
  • #1
diablo_slayer
3
0

Homework Statement



A block of mass .5 kg is on a wedge of mass 2.00 kg. The inclined surface makes an angle of 40 degrees with the horizontal. The wedge is subjected to a horizontqal force F and slides on a frictionless horizontal surface. The coefficient of static friction between the block and the wedge is .6 Find the range of values of F for which the block does not slide.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
... did you start by making a free-body diagram?

Try that see if you can sum forces...
 
  • #3
Wesleytf said:
... did you start by making a free-body diagram?

Try that see if you can sum forces...

I've tried with the axes being x down the incline and y perpendicular to the incline.

sum of the forces in the x for the block is zero. The forces down the incline is gravity, which is mgsin 40 and coefficient of static friction*normal. I'm not sure what the normal is, and how the force applied to the wedge affects it.
 
  • #4
The normal force is what keeps the block on the wedge. The component of g that is along your new y-axis will be equal in magnitude to the normal force. does that help?
 

1. What is the definition of "Find the Range of Forces for Which Block Does Not Slide"?

The range of forces for which a block does not slide refers to the minimum and maximum forces that can be applied to a block without causing it to slide. This range is determined by factors such as the weight of the block, the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface it is on, and the angle of inclination of the surface.

2. How is the range of forces for which a block does not slide calculated?

The range of forces can be calculated using the formula F = μN, where F is the force applied to the block, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force exerted by the surface on the block. The range can also be determined experimentally by gradually increasing the force applied to the block until it starts to slide.

3. What factors influence the range of forces for which a block does not slide?

Several factors can influence the range of forces for which a block does not slide, including the weight of the block, the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface, and the angle of inclination of the surface. Other factors such as the roughness of the surface and the presence of any external forces can also affect the range.

4. How does the angle of inclination of the surface affect the range of forces?

The angle of inclination of the surface plays a significant role in determining the range of forces for which a block does not slide. As the angle increases, the normal force exerted by the surface decreases, leading to a decrease in the range of forces that can be applied before the block starts to slide. This is because a higher angle of inclination increases the component of the force acting against the direction of motion.

5. Why is it important to find the range of forces for which a block does not slide?

Determining the range of forces for which a block does not slide is essential in various fields of science and engineering. It helps in understanding the behavior of objects on different surfaces and can be used to design structures and equipment that can withstand certain forces. It is also crucial in ensuring the safety and stability of structures and preventing accidents caused by sliding objects.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
963
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
789
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
45
Views
5K
Back
Top