# Cylinder rolling down a wedge - wedge should not slip

1. Nov 24, 2013

### Saitama

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
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?

2. Relevant equations

3. 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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2. Nov 24, 2013

### TSny

How many friction forces act on the wedge?

3. Nov 24, 2013

### voko

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.

4. Nov 25, 2013

### Saitama

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