Friction force on an inclined plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the normal force and friction force acting on a 60-N block resting on a 35-degree inclined plane. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a free body diagram to visualize the forces involved. The normal force can be determined using trigonometric functions, specifically cosine for the angle of inclination, while the friction force can be calculated once the normal force is established. Basic trigonometric principles are essential for solving this problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of free body diagrams
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent)
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic concepts of friction and normal force
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to draw and interpret free body diagrams
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Explore the relationship between normal force and friction force
  • Investigate inclined plane problems in classical mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for effective teaching methods for inclined plane problems.

husker11
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Homework Statement


A 60-N block rests on a 35 degree inclined plane. Determine the normal force and find the friction force that keeps the block from sliding.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Drew the free body diagram with each vector, not sure how to figure the normal force
 
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Hi husker11, welcome to PF.

Show your free body diagram, please, we can not help without seeing it. You can draw in Paint, and save it in jpg format. You can upload the picture if you click on "Go Advanced" and then "Manage Attachments".

ehild
 
Your freebody diagram should show a force vector due to gravity.

Use what you know about triangles to work out what other angles on the diagram are also 35 degrees, 90 degrees or 90-35 degrees.

Then use basic trig functions (eg Cos, Sin, Tan) to calculate the components acting normal to the plane and/or down the plane.
 

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