Clarification about friction equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equations of motion for an object on a ramp, specifically addressing the roles of static and kinetic friction in the context of forces acting on the object at rest and while sliding down the ramp.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster presents equations for both static and kinetic scenarios, questioning their correctness for solving friction-related problems. Some participants discuss the implications of static friction in relation to acceleration and the maximum value of static friction.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the validity of the equations provided, with some guidance offered regarding the conditions under which static friction applies. There is acknowledgment of the need to differentiate between maximum static friction and the actual frictional force experienced.

Contextual Notes

There is a note regarding the assumption that static friction can be considered when the object is at rest, and a caution about the application of static friction when the object is accelerating.

rash219
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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
 
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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!
 
Thanks ! Understood...
 
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.
 

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