Clarification about friction equation

  • Thread starter rash219
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Friction
In summary, the conversation discusses the correct equations to use for calculating the forces acting on an object on a ramp, taking into account friction. These equations are \SigmaF_y = n - (m * g * Cos\Theta) = 0 and \SigmaF_x = (m * g * Sin\Theta) - (\mu_s * n) = 0 for an object at rest, and \SigmaF_x = (m * g * Sin\Theta) - (\mu_k * n) = (m * a) for a sliding object. However, it is important to note that the maximum value of static friction, \mu_s * n, may not always be the actual value.
  • #1
rash219
23
0
Clarification about friction equation !

Homework Statement



Suppose there is an object on the top of a ramp at a rest would these equation/s be correct to preform calculations considering friction applies

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F_y = n - (m * g * Cos[tex]\Theta[/tex]) = 0
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F_x = (m * g * Sin[tex]\Theta[/tex]) - ([tex]\mu[/tex]_s * n) = 0

Suppose there is an object on the top of a ramp was sliding downwards would these equation/s be correct to preform calculations considering friction applies

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F_y = n - (m * g * Cos[tex]\Theta[/tex]) = 0
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F_x = (m * g * Sin[tex]\Theta[/tex]) - ([tex]\mu[/tex]_s * n) = (m * a) or
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]F_x = (m * g * Sin[tex]\Theta[/tex]) - ([tex]\mu[/tex]_k * n) = (m * a)

Note : ([tex]\mu[/tex]_k * n) would be located at ([tex]\mu[/tex]_s * n)


http://img40.imagevenue.com/loc876/th_28739_dig_122_876lo.jpg


My Question is are these formulas correctly represented so that i could solve any question that involves static and kinetic friction
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yep. That's pretty much it. Except you can't consider static friction when an object is accelerating, better put a=0 in that case, as you did the first paragraph. Good luck with actually solving problems!
 
  • #3
Thanks ! Understood...
 
  • #4
Careful with setting static friction equal to [itex]\mu_s N[/itex]. That's the maximum value of static friction--the actual value may well be less.
 

1. What is friction?

Friction is a force that opposes the motion or attempted motion of two surfaces that are in contact with each other.

2. What is the equation for friction?

The equation for friction is F = μN, where F is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force.

3. How do you calculate the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be calculated by dividing the force of friction by the normal force, or by using a friction coefficient table to estimate the value based on the materials in contact.

4. What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by the smoothness of the surfaces, the weight of the objects, and the materials in contact. It can also be affected by temperature and the presence of lubricants.

5. What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents two surfaces from sliding past each other when there is no motion, while kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion of two surfaces that are already in motion.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
631
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
3
Replies
97
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
41
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
695
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
55
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
757
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
Back
Top