Dynamics and Friction: Solving for Maximum Angle on a Ramp with μ_{s}=0.25

  • Thread starter Thread starter hsphysics2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Dynamics Friction
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the maximum angle θ at which a box will remain stationary on a ramp with a static friction coefficient μ_{s}=0.25. The forces acting on the box were analyzed using free body diagrams, leading to the equation mg(μ_{s}cosθ - sinθ) = 0. By solving this equation, it was established that μ_{s} = tanθ, resulting in a maximum angle of approximately 14 degrees. The final answer should be rounded to two significant figures. The box does not accelerate at this critical angle, confirming the calculations.
hsphysics2
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A box is halfway up a ramp. The ramp makes an angle, θ with the ground. What is the maximum value of θ before the mass will slip? μ_{s}=0.25

Homework Equations



F_{x}=ma_{x}

The Attempt at a Solution


I drew a free body diagram to show the forces affecting the box

η-mgcos=0
η=mgcosθ (eq'n 1)


F_{x}=ma_{x}
μ_{s}η-mgsinθ=ma_{x} (sub eq'n 1 in)
μ_{s}(mgcosθ)-mgsinθ=ma_{x}
mg(μ_{s}cosθ-sinθ)=ma_{x}


I'm not sure where to go from here, or even if this is the correct path for me to take
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have correctly identified the forces acting, but just as the box is on the verge of slipping, is it accelerating?
 
the box wouldn't be accelerating, so would it be

mg(μ_{s}cosθ-sinθ)=0
mgμ_{s}cosθ=mgsinθ
μ_{s}cosθ=sinθ
μ_{s}=tanθ
θ=14.036
 
hsphysics2 said:
the box wouldn't be accelerating, so would it be

mg(μ_{s}cosθ-sinθ)=0
mgμ_{s}cosθ=mgsinθ
μ_{s}cosθ=sinθ
μ_{s}=tanθ
θ=14.036
Yes, good, in degrees (don't forget units), but you should round your answer to 14 degrees ( 2 significant figures).
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top