Inclined Plane Friction: Independent of Mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that friction on an inclined plane is not independent of mass, contrary to some misconceptions. The maximum frictional force (Ffmax) is calculated as Ffmax = mgcos(α), indicating that friction is directly related to the mass of the object. However, the coefficient of friction remains independent of mass, which is a crucial distinction. This understanding resolves the confusion regarding the relationship between mass and friction on inclined planes.

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  • Knowledge of friction and its coefficients.
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I heard somewhere that friction on an inclined plane is independent of the mass of the object. However on youtube, it says Ffmax is mgcos alpha. How is this correct, because it will mean the friction in not independent of the mass of the object.

Thanks a lot.
 
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Jandaberg123 said:
I heard somewhere that friction on an inclined plane is independent of the mass of the object. However on youtube, it says Ffmax is mgcos alpha. How is this correct, because it will mean the friction in not independent of the mass of the object.

Thanks a lot.

Friction depends on the force applied normal to the surface. In an inclined plance, this force is mgcos(alpha). Youtube is correct then!
 
Hassan2 said:
Friction depends on the force applied normal to the surface. In an inclined plance, this force is mgcos(alpha). Youtube is correct then!

Thanks, I just checked again and realized that the friction COEFFICIENT is independent of the mass, not the friction.
 

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