Find the friction force impeding its motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The friction force impeding the motion of a 21.0 kg box on a 38.0° incline, which accelerates downwards at 0.267 m/s², is calculated to be 121 N. The correct method involves using the equation Ffr = μFN, where FN is the normal force calculated as FN = mg(cos θ). The coefficient of friction (μ) is determined to be approximately 0.747 after accounting for the incline's effect on the normal force. The initial miscalculation stemmed from neglecting the angle's impact on the normal force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of friction and normal force
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Ability to draw free-body diagrams for inclined planes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of forces on inclined planes using free-body diagrams
  • Learn about the relationship between normal force and angles in inclined plane problems
  • Explore advanced friction concepts, including static and kinetic friction
  • Practice solving problems involving friction on inclined planes with varying angles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and inclined plane problems, as well as educators looking for effective teaching strategies in force analysis.

312213
Messages
52
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 21.0 kg box is released on a 38.0° incline and accelerates down the incline at 0.267 m/s2. Find the friction force impeding its motion.

Friction force is correctly calculated as 121N

Homework Equations


Ffr = \muFN (Friction force equals mu times normal force, in case the symbols are not in its commonly used form)
FN=mg (Normal force equals mass times gravity)

The Attempt at a Solution


Ffr = \muFN
121=\muFN
121=\mumg
121=\mu(21)(9.8)
5.7619=tex]\mu[/tex](9.8)
0.588=\mu

I see this as the correct method, but the answer came out as incorrect, so that means I'm wrong. Is this formula incorrect for finding mu? If so, what is supposed to be used/what am I supposed to do in order to find mu?

note: numbers are obtained using longer, more accurate numbers of 121.09613162202047395584132290722 / ((21)(9.8)) = 0.5879494655004859086491739552964 but shortened down to look better
 
Physics news on Phys.org
312213 said:

Homework Statement


A 21.0 kg box is released on a 38.0° incline and accelerates down the incline at 0.267 m/s2. Find the friction force impeding its motion.

Friction force is correctly calculated as 121N

Homework Equations


Ffr = \muFN (Friction force equals mu times normal force, in case the symbols are not in its commonly used form)
FN=mg (Normal force equals mass times gravity)

The Attempt at a Solution


Ffr = \muFN
121=\muFN
121=\mumg
121=\mu(21)(9.8)
5.7619=tex]\mu[/tex](9.8)
0.588=\mu

I see this as the correct method, but the answer came out as incorrect, so that means I'm wrong. Is this formula incorrect for finding mu? If so, what is supposed to be used/what am I supposed to do in order to find mu?

note: numbers are obtained using longer, more accurate numbers of 121.09613162202047395584132290722 / ((21)(9.8)) = 0.5879494655004859086491739552964 but shortened down to look better


Generally for inclined plane problems one draws a set of coordinate axes with one axis, say the x-axis along the plane and the y-axis perpendicular to it. Then you should draw in your forces: mg for gravity, N for the normal force between the plane and the block, f for the frictional force acting up the plane. You will need to identify the component of mg that accelerates the box down the plane and the component of mg that is equal and opposite to the normal force. You will have some sines and cosines floating around. (I'll leave it to you to figure that out.) The moral of this story: Don't start hunting for equations before you have drawn a picture and identified the forces involved and understand the relationships between them. Understand what's happening before you start using equations!
 
121=\mu(21)(9.8)(cos38)
0.747=\mu
The answer is correct.

I drew the diagram but forgot the the inclination affects the total force. Thank you.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
46
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K