Cylinder rolling down a wedge - wedge should not slip

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a solid cylinder rolling down a wedge without slipping, with specific dimensions provided for the slope. The main challenge is determining the minimum coefficient of friction required to prevent the wedge from slipping as the cylinder rolls down. Participants analyze the forces acting on the wedge, including normal reactions and frictional forces, while attempting to derive the necessary equations. There is confusion regarding the calculations, particularly in balancing forces and applying Newton's laws correctly. Clarifications are provided about the torque and forces involved, leading to a better understanding of the problem.
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Homework Statement


The height of the slope shown in the figure is 30 cm, and its base is 40 cm. A solid cylinder of uniform density, which has the same mass as the slope, rolls down along the slope without slipping. What is the least value of the coefficient of friction between the inclined plane and the horizontal ground if the slope does not slip?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand that this is a simple problem but I cannot reach the specified answer though I did a similar problem recently.

The forces acting on the wedge are the normal reaction from cylinder (N), normal reaction from ground (N'), weight (mg) and the frictional force (f).

Balancing forces on the wedge in the vertical direction:
$$N'=mg+N\cos\theta$$
where ##\theta## is the angle made by the slope with the horizontal.
Since the wedge doesn't slip,
$$f \geq N\sin\theta \Rightarrow \mu N' \geq N\sin\theta$$
Using ##N=mg\cos\theta## and solving the equations, I don't get the right answer.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

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Pranav-Arora said:
The forces acting on the wedge are the normal reaction from cylinder (N), normal reaction from ground (N'), weight (mg) and the frictional force (f).

How many friction forces act on the wedge?
 
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The cylinder has to spin up as it rolls down without slipping, which means there is some torque on it, which is provided by a force. By Newton's third law, the wedge will experience the opposite force.
 
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TSny said:
How many friction forces act on the wedge?

voko said:
The cylinder has to spin up as it rolls down without slipping, which means there is some torque on it, which is provided by a force. By Newton's third law, the wedge will experience the opposite force.

Silly me, thanks a lot both of you! :)
 
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