answersLogoWhite

0

The frictional force that opposes the motion of an object on an inclined plane is given by the formula:

Ffriction = (mu)N,

where mu (the Greek letter mu) is the coefficient of friction, and N is the Normal force, which is the force equal and opposite to the component of the object's weight perpendicular to the surface of the incline.

The Normal force will be equal to Wcos(theta), where W is the weight of the object (W= mg) and theta is the angle of the incline.

When motion down the plane is impending (that is, a split second before the friction is overcome and the object starts to slide down the plane), Ffriction is equal and opposite to the component of the weight parallel to the surface of the plane. That component is equal to Wsin(theta).

So, what does that give us?

We know that

(1) Ffriction = Wsin(theta)

(2) Ffriction = (mu)N

(3) N = Wcos(theta)

Substituting for N in equation (2) gives us

Ffriction = (mu)Wcos(theta).

Equating equ. (1) and (2) gives us

muWcos(theta) = Wsin(theta).

Solving for mu gives us

mu = sin(theta)/cos(theta)

mu = tan(theta)

theta = tan-1(mu) or theta = arctan(mu)

So, the arctangent of mu is the angle of incline.

(I guess I coulda just said that right from the beginning.)

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

The of friction is a number that represents the resistance to sliding between two surfaces in contact with one another?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless value that quantifies the amount of friction between two surfaces. It is dependent on factors like the materials of the surfaces and the force pressing them together, and it helps predict the amount of force required to overcome friction and initiate sliding.


What are the applications of spreading coefficient?

The spreading coefficient is often applied in the field of pharmacy. Film coats are spread over tablets and lotions with mineral oils are spread on skin using surfactants. The spreading coefficient is the difference between the work of adhesion and the work of cohesion.


What are disadvantages for rolling friction?

Rolling friction can create heat and wear on the surfaces in contact, leading to energy loss and decreased efficiency. It can also vary with different surfaces and conditions, making it difficult to predict accurately.


What is the different between istatistic and kinetic friction?

I assume you mean static and kinetic friction. Static friction tends to be stronger and less predictable. For example, if you start applying more and more force to a stationary brick lying on sandpaper, it is almost impossible to predict when it will begin to move. Once it is moving, however, you can get a pretty consistent estimate for how much drag the brick is experiencing (kinetic friction). Modern cars have computers monitoring the brakes. If you slam on your brakes, the computer will loosen up the brakes to prevent you from skidding. This is because static friction is more effective than kinetic friction, and once you start skidding out you have lost most of your braking power.


Why is it necessary to know the coefficient of linear expansion of solids?

By knowing the coefficient of linear expansion of solids, you can determine how a solid reacts to temperature. Everything reacts to thermal expansion. For instance, a concrete bridge expands when hot, and with the formula for expansion and the coefficient for it, you know just how much that concrete expands and you can plan and build accordingly. That saves lives.

Related Questions

The of friction is a number that represents the resistance to sliding between two surfaces in contact with one another?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless value that quantifies the amount of friction between two surfaces. It is dependent on factors like the materials of the surfaces and the force pressing them together, and it helps predict the amount of force required to overcome friction and initiate sliding.


When is the correlation coefficient zero?

The correlation coefficient is zero when there is no linear relationship between two variables, meaning they are not related in a linear fashion. This indicates that changes in one variable do not predict or explain changes in the other variable.


Why do geologists collect data on friction along the sides of faults?

Geologists collect data on friction along the side of faults so that they can predict how much pressure is applied on the faults so they can predict how strong the earthquake is.


Correlation coefficients represents the WEAKEST relationship?

A correlation coefficient represents the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. A correlation coefficient close to zero indicates a weak relationship between the variables, where changes in one variable do not consistently predict changes in the other. However, it is important to note that a correlation coefficient of zero does not necessarily mean there is no relationship between the variables, as non-linear relationships may exist.


What build up has been used to try to predict earthquakes?

friction


How would one explain the coefficient of determination?

The coefficient of determination, is when someone tries to predict the outcome of the testing of a hypothesis, or their guess at to what will happen. It helps determine how well outcomes are determined beforehand.


Statistical measures is most helpful for indicating the extent to which IQ scores can be used to predict grades in school?

Correlation coefficient


Why geologists collect data on friction along the sides of faults?

So that geologist can predict how much force of pressure applied on the faults to predict how strong the earthquake.


What are the applications of spreading coefficient?

The spreading coefficient is often applied in the field of pharmacy. Film coats are spread over tablets and lotions with mineral oils are spread on skin using surfactants. The spreading coefficient is the difference between the work of adhesion and the work of cohesion.


When the reaction is balancedthe number in front of hydrogen gas will be?

The coefficient in front of hydrogen gas in a balanced chemical equation depends on the specific reaction being balanced and the stoichiometry of the reaction. It is not possible to predict what the coefficient will be without knowing the specific reaction.


What is an example of correlation coefficient?

Correlation coefficient My understanding is: two variables as they relate to one another and how accurately you can predict their behavior to one another when together. Basically the strength of the linear association between two variables. When the variables have a tendency to go up and down together, this is a positive correlation coefficient. Variables with a tendency to go up and down in opposition, (one ends up with a high value and the other a low value) this is negatiove correlation coefficient. An example would be the amount of weight a mom gains during pregnancy and the birth weight of the baby


What is the difference between correlation analysis and?

Correlation analysis is a type of statistical analysis used to measure the strength of the relationship between two variables. It is used to determine whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables or if one of the variables is simply related to the other. It is usually expressed as a correlation coefficient a number between -1 and 1. A positive correlation coefficient means that the variables move in the same direction while a negative correlation coefficient means they move in opposite directions.Regression analysis is a type of statistical analysis used to predict the value of one variable based on the value of another. This type of analysis is used to determine the relationship between two or more variables and to determine the direction strength and form of the relationship. Regression analysis is useful for predicting future values of the dependent variable given a set of independent variables.Correlation Analysis is used to measure the strength of the relationship between two variables.Regression Analysis is used to predict the value of one variable based on the value of another.