How Steep a Hill Can You Park a Car With Static Friction of 0.8?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the maximum angle at which a parked car can remain stationary on a hill, given a static friction coefficient of 0.8 between hard rubber and normal street pavement. Participants clarify that the downward force is represented by gravitational acceleration "g," and the normal force is equal to "g" under static conditions. The key formula involves calculating the angle using the relationship between static friction and gravitational forces, specifically through the use of trigonometric functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static friction and its coefficient
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational forces and normal force
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine
  • Ability to interpret physics diagrams and formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for calculating the maximum angle of static friction: θ = arctan(μ)
  • Study the relationship between forces acting on an inclined plane
  • Explore examples of static friction problems in physics textbooks
  • Review online resources such as HyperPhysics for visual aids and explanations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of static friction and its applications in real-world scenarios, particularly in automotive safety and engineering.

Havoc2020
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Hi, the problem I have is one dealing with static friction. The problem states: The coefficient of static friction between hard rubber and normal street pavement is about 0.8. On how steep a hill (maximum angle) can you leave a parked car?

I know that the downward force is "g" and that the normal force is equal to "g" since there is no acceleration. I am just having problems finding the angle. Our textbook is lacking in examples. I am not looking for an answer but a formula to use or even a hint.

Thanks in advance.
 
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On a flat horizontal surface, the weight (mg) would point directly down. As the angle increases, the weight points down, but the component normal to the surface is reduced by the cos of the angle.

See - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/frict2.html#fp
Look at the third pane.
 
Last edited:
Thanks

Thanks for the help. The formulas and the diagram helped a lot.
 
Havoc2020 said:
Hi, the problem I have is one dealing with static friction. The problem states: The coefficient of static friction between hard rubber and normal street pavement is about 0.8. On how steep a hill (maximum angle) can you leave a parked car?

I know that the downward force is "g" and that the normal force is equal to "g" since there is no acceleration. I am just having problems finding the angle. Our textbook is lacking in examples. I am not looking for an answer but a formula to use or even a hint.

Thanks in advance.

Which textbook did you get that question from? can give me the ISBN # and the site you bought it from ?

thanks
 

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