Is the upward Ff of a stationary block on an incline more or less than mg?

In summary, the force acting up the ramp on the block of mass m is either 0, mg, less than mg, or more than mg. The force of friction cannot be greater than the force of gravity, or else the block would move upward. However, the force of friction can be less than mg due to the vertical component of the normal force. This may be difficult to understand, but it is important to grasp for clarification.
  • #1
mirandab17
40
0
A block of mass m remains at rest on an incline. The force acting up the ramp on this block is
a. 0
b. mg
c. less than mg
d. more than mg

I understand that the force of friction cannot be more than the force of gravity because it would then move upward... but how is that the force of friction is less than (mg)? Wouldn't the block then slide down?

Of course it wouldn't because of the mgsin(x)... but I just need some clarification more than anything. Trouble to grasp for some reason.
 
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  • #2
Hello mirandab17 . Welcome to PF !

A component of the normal force is vertical, so ...
 

1. Is the upward Ff of a stationary block on an incline more or less than mg?

The upward Ff of a stationary block on an incline is typically less than mg. This is because the normal force (Fg) of the incline counteracts the force of gravity (mg) acting on the block, resulting in a smaller Ff.

2. How does the angle of incline affect the upward Ff of a stationary block?

The angle of incline can affect the upward Ff of a stationary block. As the angle increases, the normal force (Fg) decreases, which in turn decreases the Ff acting on the block. Therefore, a steeper incline would result in a smaller Ff.

3. Does the mass of the block have an impact on the upward Ff?

Yes, the mass of the block does have an impact on the upward Ff. The greater the mass of the block, the greater the force of gravity (mg) acting on it, resulting in a larger Ff.

4. Can the Ff of a stationary block on an incline ever be greater than mg?

No, the Ff of a stationary block on an incline can never be greater than mg. This is because the normal force (Fg) of the incline can only counteract the force of gravity (mg) to a certain extent, resulting in a maximum Ff value that is still less than mg.

5. How does friction affect the upward Ff of a stationary block on an incline?

Friction can reduce the upward Ff of a stationary block on an incline. This is because friction is a force that opposes motion, and in this case, it acts in the opposite direction of the block's movement up the incline. As a result, it decreases the overall Ff acting on the block.

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