Question

A crate is placed on an adjustable, incline board. the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the board is 0.29.

a)calculate the value of Theta (angle) at which the crate just begins to slip

b) determine the acceleration of the crate down the incline at this angle when the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.26

Answer 1

Let the angle be Θ (theta)

Let the mass of the crate be m.

a) When the crate just begins to slip. At that moment the net force will be equal to zero and the static friction will be at the maximum vale.

Normal force (N) = mg CosΘ

μ (coefficient of static friction) = 0.29

Static friction = μN = μmg CosΘ

Now, along the ramp, the equation of net force will be:

mg SinΘ - μmg CosΘ = 0

mg SinΘ = μmg CosΘ

tan Θ = μ

tan Θ = 0.29

Θ = 16.17°

b) Let the acceleration be a.

Coefficient of kinetic friction = μ = 0.26

Now, the equation of net force will be:

mg sinΘ - μ mg CosΘ = ma

a = g SinΘ - μg CosΘ

Plugging the values

a = 9.8 × 0.278 - 0.26 × 9.8 × 0.96

a = 2.7244 - 2.44608

a = 0.278 m/s^2

Hence, the acceleration is 0.278 m/s^2