Force required to keep a wooden block from sliding on a rough incline

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force required to keep a wooden block from sliding down a rough incline, characterized by a coefficient of friction (μ). The correct formula for this scenario is F = μ * m * g * cos(θ), where m is the mass of the block, g is the gravitational acceleration, and θ is the angle of the incline. The confusion arose from an incorrect interpretation of the forces acting on the block, specifically the relationship between gravitational force and frictional force. The problem also references a test prep book and confirms that the angle of the incline for the minimum force required to prevent sliding is 30 degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces on inclined planes
  • Familiarity with the coefficient of friction and its application in force calculations
  • Knowledge of free body diagrams (FBD) and their use in problem-solving
  • Grasp of trigonometric functions related to angles and their application in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of forces on inclined planes in physics textbooks
  • Learn about the implications of different coefficients of friction on motion
  • Explore advanced problems involving multiple forces on inclined planes
  • Investigate the relationship between angle of incline and friction in practical applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators preparing test materials related to forces on inclined planes.

nishantve1
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Homework Statement



This thing was a part of an entire question . I solved the other parts but I don't know why I am messing up here .

Force required to keep a wooden block from sliding on a rough incline with coefficient of friction μ

Homework Equations



Force on a block on an inclined plane ,
towards the ground : m*g*sin(θ)
due to friction in opposite direction of the above force is m*g*cos(θ)
where m is the mass of the block , g is the gravitational acceleration and θ is the angle the incline makes with the horizontal.

The Attempt at a Solution




So I pictured something like this
Initially
http://awwapp.com/s/38/18/09.png

Now if I apply a force to stop the block from sliding the FBD should be something like this
http://awwapp.com/s/5a/44/08.png

So the force I have to apply ( the blue one ) should be Force due to gravity - Force due to friction
F = mg(sin(θ) -μcos(θ))
But the answer given is
F = μ*m*g*cos(θ)
How is this possible
Sorry about the drawings
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I'd say you were correct. If this is a textbook problem, what textbook is it?
 
@Doc Al It's actually a Test prep book published by a very well known publisher in my country at least . This question was part of the actual test held in 2012 . The question goes like
The minimum force required to move a body up an inclined plane is three times the minimum force required to prevent it from sliding down the plane. If the coefficient of friction between the body and the inclined plane is 1/(2*sqrt(3)) angle of the inclined plane is
a> 60 degrees
b> 45 degrees
c> 30 degrees
d> 15 degrees

The answer in the key is 30 degrees
 
nishantve1 said:
The answer in the key is 30 degrees
I agree with that answer.
 

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