Minimal coefficient of friction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the minimal coefficient of friction for a rectangle held by a rope and friction against a wall. Initial calculations yielded a coefficient of 0.15, which was questioned due to potential errors in determining the center of mass (CoM) distance from the wall. A revised calculation suggested that the CoM distance should be 0.58 times the side length, leading to a new coefficient of friction of 0.3. Participants debated the accuracy of the geometric assumptions and calculations involved. The conversation highlights the importance of precise measurements in physics problems.
Karol
Messages
1,380
Reaction score
22

Homework Statement


The rectangle in the drawing is held by the horizontal rope and the friction on the wall.
What's the minimal coefficient of friction

Homework Equations


Friction force: f=μN

The Attempt at a Solution


Moments round the point of contact with the wall. the side of the rectangle is a, half the diagonal to the center is ##\sqrt {a}##. the distance of the CoM to the wall: ##\sqrt {a}\cdot\sin 55^0=1.16a##
$$1.16a\cdot mg=T\cdot \sin 10^0\rightarrow T=6.68mg$$
$$6.68mg\cdot\mu=mg\rightarrow\mu=0.15$$
It should be 0.3
 

Attachments

  • Snap1.jpg
    Snap1.jpg
    11.6 KB · Views: 414
Physics news on Phys.org
So from the wall to the center of mass is 1.16 times the length of a side ? That's in mid-air ! ;)
 
Is it a square or rectangle? If it's a square check your calculation for "half the diagonal".
 
BvU said:
So from the wall to the center of mass is 1.16 times the length of a side ? That's in mid-air !
I thank you very much BvU for i didn't laugh so much for some time
 
I believe what you used for the normal force is incorrect.
 
The distance of CoM from the wall: ##\frac{a}{\sqrt{2}}\cdot\sin 55^0=0.58a##
$$0.58a\cdot mg=T\cdot \sin 10^0\rightarrow T=3.41mg$$
$$3.41mg\cdot\mu=mg\rightarrow\mu=0.3$$
 
Back
Top