10.7 Induced motion on rough incline (application)

Questions and their answers are presented here in the module text format as if it were an extension of the treatment of the topic. The idea is to provide a verbose explanation, detailing the application of theory. Solution presented is, therefore, treated as the part of the understanding process – not merely a Q/A session. The emphasis is to enforce ideas and concepts, which can not be completely absorbed unless they are put to real time situation.

Representative problems and their solutions

We discuss problems, which highlight certain aspects of the study leading to induced motion on rough incline. The questions are categorized in terms of the characterizing features of the subject matter :

• Nature of friction
• Incline as mechanical device
• Equilibrium

Nature of friction

Problem 1 : A force of 30 N is applied on a block of 10 kg, which is placed on an incline of angle, $\theta ={\sin }^{-1}\left(3/5\right)$ . If the coefficient of friction between block and incline is 0.75, then find the friction.

Solution : In order to find friction, we first need to know its direction. Here, the component of gravitational force along the incline is :

$$mg\sin \theta =10X10X\sin \left({\sin }^{-1}\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)\right)=10X10X\frac{3}{5}=60N$$

The limiting friction is :

$$F_S=\mu mg\cos \theta =0.75X10X10X\cos \theta$$

In order to find the cosine, we use the triangle as shown. Here,

$$\Rightarrow \cos \theta =\frac{\sqrt{\left(5^2-3^2\right)}}{5}=\frac{4}{5}$$

Hence,

$$\Rightarrow F_S=0.75X10X10X4/5=60N$$

Now, net component of external forces (without friction) along the incline is :

$$\sum F_x=60-30=30N$$

It means that block has the tendency to move down. Therefore, friction acts up. However, friction is not equal to limiting friction. The net component of external forces is 30 N and is less than limiting friction. Therefore, the static friction simply matches the net external force parallel to incline, which is 30 N.

$$f_S=30N$$

Incline as mechanical device

Problem 2 : A block can either be lifted vertically or pulled up along a rough incline of 30°. What should be coefficient of friction between block and incline so that pulling along the incline requires less force parallel to the incline.

Solution : In order to pull the block of mass “m” vertically, the force, “ $F_1$ ”, required is equal to the weight of the block,

$$F_1=mg$$

On the other hand, the net external force parallel to the incline should be greater than the limiting friction to move the block up the incline. The required force is :

$$F_2=mg\sin \theta +\mu mg\cos \theta$$

For $F_2<F_1$ ,

$$\Rightarrow mg\sin \theta +\mu mg\cos \theta <mg$$

$$\Rightarrow \sin \theta +\mu \cos \theta <1$$

$$\Rightarrow \mu \cos \theta <\left(1-\sin \theta \right)$$

$$\Rightarrow \mu <\frac{\left(1-\sin \theta \right)}{\cos \theta }$$

Putting value of the angle and evaluating, we have :

$$\Rightarrow \mu <\frac{\left(1-\sin {30}^0\right)}{\cos {30}^0}$$

$$\Rightarrow \mu <\frac{\left(1-1/2\right)}{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}$$

$$\Rightarrow \mu <\frac{\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)}{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}$$

$$\Rightarrow \mu <\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$$

Equilibrium

Problem 3 : A block of mass 10 kg is placed on a rough incline plane of inclination 30° with an external force “F” applied as shown in the figure. The coefficient of friction between block and incline is 0.5. Find the minimum force “F” so that block does not slide on the incline.

Solution : We first need to determine the direction of friction so that we could determine the minimum force required for block to remain stationary. Here, the gravitational force down the incline is :

$$mg\sin \theta =10X10X\sin {30}^0=10X10X\frac{1}{2}=50N$$

The external force “F” has no component along the incline. As such, the component of weight along the incline is the net force parallel to incline. Friction, therefore, acts upward. If external force “F” is not applied, the limiting friction is given by :

$$F_S=\mu mg\cos \theta =0.5X10X10X\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}=25\sqrt{3}N$$

As the downward gravitational force is greater than limiting friction, the block will slide down.

In order to restrict motion of block, the external force “F” should increase normal force, which in turn increases friction. Let the minimum force be “F” such that block does not side. In this limiting situation, the components of forces, parallel and perpendicular to incline, form balanced force systems. Free body diagram with external forces is shown in the figure. Considering "x" and "y" axes in parallel and perpendicular directions, we have :

$$\sum F_x=mg\sin \theta =\mu N$$

$$\sum F_y=mg\cos \theta +F=N$$

Substituting for “N” in the first equation, we have :

$$\Rightarrow mg\sin \theta =\mu N=\mu mg\cos \theta +\mu F$$

$$\Rightarrow F=\frac{mg\sin \theta -\mu mg\cos \theta }{\mu }$$

$$\Rightarrow F=\frac{50-25\sqrt{3}}{0.5}=13.4N$$

Problem 4 : A block of mass “m” is placed on a rough incline of angle “θ”. The downward motion of the block is prevented by applying an upward force, “F”, parallel to incline. If a force of “2F” is required to initiate motion of the block in upward direction, then determine the coefficient of friction between block and the incline.

Solution : It is given that block has downward motion without any additional force. It means that net component of forces parallel to incline is in downward direction. The downward motion can be prevented if the additional force, parallel to the incline, is equal to the net downward component.

The additional force is equal to net downward component :

$$F=mg\sin \theta -\mu mg\cos \theta$$

In order to initiate motion in the upward direction, the additional external force should be equal to the net downward component of forces. As the block tends to move up, the friction, now, acts in the downward direction. Hence,

$$2F=mg\sin \theta +\mu mg\cos \theta$$

Subtracting first equation from the second, we have :

$$\Rightarrow F=2\mu mg\cos \theta$$

Putting this expression of “F” in the first equation and solving for “μ”,

$$\Rightarrow 2\mu mg\cos \theta =mg\sin \theta -\mu mg\cos \theta$$

$$\Rightarrow 3\mu \cos \theta =\sin \theta$$

$$\Rightarrow \mu =\frac{\tan \theta }{3}$$