Coefficient of static friction on a ramp?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the coefficient of static friction for a block on a ramp, specifically when the block begins to slide as the ramp is raised. The context includes a plank and a block, with measurements provided for the ramp's height and length.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss working symbolically with the mass as an unknown and explore the relationships between forces involved, questioning how to apply equations without a given mass.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested working symbolically to simplify the problem, while others express confusion about which equations to use and how to proceed without specific values. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem setup and the necessary equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of mass in the problem statement and question how this affects the calculation of forces, particularly the force of friction and normal force.

katie beisel
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Homework Statement


A small block sits at the midpoint of a 2.0 m plank lying on a level floor. A student slowly raises one end of the plank until the block starts to slide. At that instant, the raised end is 0.55 m above the floor. Find the coefficient of static friction between block and plank.

Homework Equations


F = ma
fs = mus x FN

The Attempt at a Solution



so i turned it into a triangle and the sides are 1.9, .55, 2.0
there's no mass given so I'm not sure how to even begin to find the force of friction or force normal
 
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Work symbolically. Leave the mass as an unknown "m" and work through the algebra. You should find that the m will cancel out along the way.
 
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gneill said:
Work symbolically. Leave the mass as an unknown "m" and work through the algebra. You should find that the m will cancel out along the way.
i don't understand. using what equation?
 
katie beisel said:
i don't understand. using what equation?
What equations would you apply if the mass were given?
 

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