Finding Friction with a .26kg Mass at an Angle of 26.1°

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a mass of 0.26 kg placed on a ramp inclined at an angle of 26.1 degrees. Participants are exploring the concept of static friction and the forces acting on the mass, particularly in the context of equilibrium and motion on an inclined plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the relationship between static friction and the forces acting on the mass. Questions arise about the assumptions of static equilibrium and the implications of the applied force being zero. There is also discussion about the calculation of forces and the interpretation of the problem context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning assumptions about static equilibrium and the conditions under which the mass is analyzed. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of forces, but there is no explicit consensus on the overall approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of a lab where the angle of the ramp is increased until the mass begins to move, indicating a practical experiment rather than a purely theoretical problem. There is mention of rounding in calculations, which may affect the interpretation of results.

Emily266
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Draw an Fn picture and find Ffs.
mass=.26kg
θ=26.1
Fa= 0


Homework Equations


Fll= mgsinθ
Fnet= sum of all forces parallel to ramp
Fnet= ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I have the picture drawn but I don't know how to find friction.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I assume Ffs is the static frictional force. Therefore, even though you haven't stated otherwise I'll assume that the system is in static equilibrium (ie. the sum of all forces = 0).

Using this information, show us your summation of all the forces.
 
Yes, Ffs was meant to represent static friction. I was unaware that static friction meant that all forces equaled zero.

Fnet=0 so Fll-Ffs

0=1.144-Ffa
-1.144=-Ffa
Ffa=1.14N
 
Last edited:
If you are given a value for static friction, it does not mean that the sum of forces is zero, I just assumed that considering there is not enough information given (that I can see at least) to solve this question provided the mass has overcome the force of static friction.

Your calculation is ok. Just be aware that most physics questions take acceleration due to gravity to be 9.8 or 9.81 ms-2, however if you've been using 10ms-2 consistently in your class, then it's best not to change it now.
 
Last edited:
Oh, my teacher did not say that the forces were all equal to zero, just that the applied force was equal to zero.
I don't know if this helps, but this is a lab and we were increasing the angle of a ramp until our mass (a piece of wood with a few weights attached) moved down the ramp. Yeah, our teacher likes to round things.
 

Similar threads

Determining the angle for a mass to overcome friction
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Finding the acceleration of a block on an inclined plane with friction
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
896
Applying Newtons Laws: Incline, static friction, kid on sled
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
What are the forces acting on a child pulling a wagon up an inclined hill?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Dynamics ramp and friction. Finding angle?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding the work done by a block
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
How to find Coefficient of Friction w/ Fa and mass?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
How Do I Determine Force of Static Friction on a Rolling Car
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Finding the angle of an inclined plane
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Coefficient of Friction when Normal Force is Reduced [HS]
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K