How Does Friction Affect Momentum on an Inclined Plane?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving an inclined plane and a block of mass m. The goal is to determine the distance traveled by the block after leaving the inclined plane. The conversation also mentions the angle of the inclined plane, the height of the inclined plane, and the friction coefficient between the objects. The issue being discussed is the conservation of momentum on the horizontal axis and how it affects the velocity of the block before entering the horizontal surface. The solution provided in the conversation is v' = v * (cos(alpha) - (miu)* sin(alpha)), which differs from the initial assumption of v' = v * cos(alpha). The reason for this is not fully understood and clarification is being sought.
  • #1
RingNebula57
56
2
Hello everyone, I have this problem at which I don't understand the solution. So we have an inclined plane and a block of mass m standig on it , at it's highest point. Knowing the angle of the inclined plane(alpha) , the height of the inclined plane, the friction coefficient between the 2 objects (miu) and that is the same with the friction coefficient of the horizontal plane( the inclined plane is fixed) , and that the horizontal plane and the inclined plane ARE NOT CONNECTED to each other we have to dermine the distance traveled by the block after leaving the inclined plane.

The thing that I didn't understand is the conservation of momentul on the horizontal axis. If we say that the velocity of the block , before entering the horizontal surface is v ( that can be found via cnoservation of total energy of the system) , than I would say that, because we consider the time for the object to "hop" from the inclined plane to the horizontal one almost instantaneous, the momentum on the vertical direction cancels and so the velocity at the beginning of the horizontal plane would be v'=v * cos(alpha) . What the solution is saying is that this speed is v'= v* (cos(alpha) - (miu)* sin(alpha) )
Why?

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you have a diagram? How do you understand the fact that they "are not connected"?
 

1. What is a mechanical advantage?

A mechanical advantage is the measure of how much a machine multiplies the force applied to it. It is the ratio of the output force to the input force.

2. How does an inclined plane work?

An inclined plane is a simple machine that consists of a sloping surface. It allows for a smaller input force to move an object up a larger height by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.

3. What factors affect the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is affected by the angle of the incline, the length of the incline, and the friction between the object and the inclined surface.

4. How does friction affect the efficiency of an inclined plane?

The presence of friction can decrease the efficiency of an inclined plane by converting some of the input force into heat, which is not useful in moving the object. Therefore, reducing friction can increase the efficiency of an inclined plane.

5. What are some real-life examples of inclined planes?

Inclined planes can be found in many everyday objects, such as ramps, slides, and stairs. They are also used in machines, such as escalators, conveyor belts, and wheelchair ramps.

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
2K
Back
Top