Determining the angle while dealing with friction on an inclined plane

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the angle at which a box begins to slide down an inclined plane, given the coefficients of static and sliding friction. Participants explore the relationship between the angle of inclination and the forces acting on the box, including gravitational and frictional forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the angle using the static friction coefficient and question the correctness of their calculations. There are attempts to derive forces acting on the box and to understand the implications of their results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on recalculating the angle and forces, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is an ongoing examination of the equations used and the values substituted into them, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the application of the static friction coefficient and the calculations of forces, indicating a need for clarity on the definitions and relationships involved in the problem.

sylent33
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Homework Statement
A box weighing 5kg stands on a board (coefficient of static friction μH = 0.7 and coefficient of sliding friction μG = 0.55). At what angle does the box slide? How big is the acceleration?
Relevant Equations
$$ μH = tan(\alpha) $$
Hello! So the way I have tried to solve this problem is the following;Since it is an inclined plane and the cofficient of static friction is known, getting to the angle at which the box starts sliding is the following

##μH = \frac {sin (\alpha)} {cos(\alpha)} = μH = tan(\alpha) ##

## \alpha = tan(0,7)##

## \alpha = 0,012 (degrees) ##

Now for the acceleration I thought of this;

First I would need to find the force that is pulling the object downhill; I did that like this

## F_d = m * g * sin(\alpha)##

## F = 0,0104 N ##

Than I would have to find friction force, that is "opposing" the downhill force;

## F_r = m * g * cos(\alpha)##
## F = 34,33 N ##

Now the problem here is pretty obvious. According to my calculation the box shouldn't be even moving, it should be standing still. Which has to mean one of three things; 1) My calculation of the angle was wrong 2) My calculation of the forces was wrong 3) My entire interpretation of the problem was wrong.

Would anyone be able to assist me? Kind Regards.
 
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sylent33 said:
Homework Statement:: A box weighing 5kg stands on a board (coefficient of static friction μH = 0.7 and coefficient of sliding friction μG = 0.55). At what angle does the box slide? How big is the acceleration?
Relevant Equations:: $$ μH = tan(\alpha) $$

Hello! So the way I have tried to solve this problem is the following;Since it is an inclined plane and the cofficient of static friction is known, getting to the angle at which the box starts sliding is the following

##μH = \frac {sin (\alpha)} {cos(\alpha)} = μH = tan(\alpha) ##

## \alpha = tan(0,7)##

## \alpha = 0,012 (degrees) ##

Now for the acceleration I thought of this;

First I would need to find the force that is pulling the object downhill; I did that like this

## F_d = m * g * sin(\alpha)##

## F = 0,0104 N ##

Than I would have to find friction force, that is "opposing" the downhill force;

## F_r = m * g * cos(\alpha)##
## F = 34,33 N ##

Now the problem here is pretty obvious. According to my calculation the box shouldn't be even moving, it should be standing still. Which has to mean one of three things; 1) My calculation of the angle was wrong 2) My calculation of the forces was wrong 3) My entire interpretation of the problem was wrong.

Would anyone be able to assist me?Kind Regards.
##μH = \frac {sin (\alpha)} {cos(\alpha)} = μH = tan(\alpha) ##

## \alpha = tan(0,7)##

## \alpha = 0,012 (degrees) ##

The alpha magically appears on the other side of equation, and the mu, the static coef, appears inside the tan.
you got confused
 
LCSphysicist said:
μμμH=sin(α)cos(α)=μH=tan(α)

α=tan(0,7)

α=0,012(degrees)

The alpha magically appears on the other side of equation, and the mu, the static coef, appears inside the tan.
you got confused

So I have calculated the angle wrong, honestly it look odd to begin with. I'll have to try that again. But the equation is right tho? I should be able to get the angle through the static coefficient?
 
sylent33 said:
So I have calculated the angle wrong, honestly it look odd to begin with. I'll have to try that again. But the equation is right tho? I should be able to get the angle through the static coefficient?
##μH = \frac {sin (\alpha)} {cos(\alpha)} = μH = tan(\alpha) ##

## \alpha = tan(0,7)##

## \alpha = 0,012 (degrees) ##

Now for the acceleration I thought of this;

First I would need to find the force that is pulling the object downhill; I did that like this

## F_d = m * g * sin(\alpha)##

## F = 0,0104 N ##

Than I would have to find friction force, that is "opposing" the downhill force;

## F_r = m * g * cos(\alpha)##
## F = 34,33 N ##
You got wrong in the red letters, the first is right if you put the values in the right place.
The second equation is wrong, you calculated the normal force, but yet rest the other thing we need to calc the friction force.
 
LCSphysicist said:
You got wrong in the red letters, the first is right if you put the values in the right place.
The second equation is wrong, you calculated the normal force, but yet rest the other thing we need to calc the friction force.
Okay, I've read through your post carefully and this is what I have to say. by " the first is right if you put the values in the right place. " I would think you are implying that the question is correct, the result cannot be correct since the angle is wrong. For my equation on the friction force your right, but the mistake was made when i was putting it in latex. I actually calculated like this

$$ F_r = μH * m * g * cos(\alpha) $$

Which is,after checking also wrong I was putting in the wrong coefficient, i was susposed to put the coeffient of friction. I'll try to solve the problem with the angle first, thank you for the help sir!
 
Okay so I have looked up in a few mathbooks and this is what I've come up with

## μH = tan(\alpha) ##
Now to get alpha we do this

##\alpha = arctan(0,7) = 35(degrees) ##

Now I calculate the downhill force

##F_d = 28,13 N## (hopefully that is right)

##F_r = 22,09## (with using the static coefficient 0,55)

Now since these forces work in opossing directions we need to subtract them

## F = F_d - F_r = 22,09 N ##

Now to get the acceleration we can use this formula ;

## F = m * a ##

## a = \frac F m ##

a = 1,208 m/s^2

Would you say that this is correct?
 
A couple of typos in writing your post...
sylent33 said:
using the static coefficient
sylent33 said:
F=Fd−Fr=22,09N
But your final answer looks right.
 
And what about the accelration, can I calculate the acceleration like this?
 
sylent33 said:
And what about the accelration, can I calculate the acceleration like this?
That is what I am saying is right, your answer of 1.2 m/s2.
But before that you wrote
sylent33 said:
F=Fd−Fr=22,09N
Instead of F=Fd−Fr=28,13N-22,09N = etc.
 

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