Coefficient of kinetic friction on inclined plane

[Melanie.H]

Why would the coefficient of kinetic friction be larger for an inclined plane versus a horizontal plane?
Would it be related to the material? I thought initially it was something to do with the force of gravity… but apparently that's not it :(
Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Chestermiller]

Hi Melanie.H. Welcome to Physics Forums.

Why would the coefficient of kinetic friction be larger for an inclined plane versus a horizontal plane?

It's not.

Would it be related to the material?

Yes. It is related to the two materials that are in sliding contact.

I thought initially it was something to do with the force of gravity… but apparently that's not it :(

No. That's right.

Chet

 

[Melanie.H]

Thanks! :D I was just wondering because for an experiment I actually got that it was bigger for the inclined plane….

 

[Chestermiller]

Thanks! :D I was just wondering because for an experiment I actually got that it was bigger for the inclined plane….

In the real world, the coefficient of kinetic friction also depends on the relative velocity between the sliding surfaces.

Chet

 

[Melanie.H]

Hm, interesting! That would also contribute to some of the limits of how large the coefficient can be then?

 

[Chestermiller]

Hm, interesting! That would also contribute to some of the limits of how large the coefficient can be then?

I don't think so. That depends on the materials that are in contact.

Chet

 

[Melanie.H]

Okay, that makes sense :)

 

[Melanie.H]

Oh, I suppose I should have mentioned for my original question that the block was being pulled up or across the plane at a constant velocity… would this change anything?

 

[Chestermiller]

Oh, I suppose I should have mentioned for my original question that the block was being pulled up or across the plane at a constant velocity… would this change anything?

No.