21.3k views
4 votes
A block of mass m is sliding down a slope inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the slope is which of the following statements is true regarding the motion of the block:

a. The block is accelerating up the slope.
b. The block is moving at constant velocity down the slope.
c. The block is accelerating down the slope.
d. The block is at rest on the slope.

User Jilly
by
7.6k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The block on an inclined plane will accelerate down the slope if the component of gravity along the slope (mg sin θ) is greater than the force of kinetic friction (μkmg cos θ). Since these conditions are met, the block is accelerating down the slope.

Thus option c. is correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a block is sliding down an inclined plane, the net force on the block due to gravity and friction determines its motion. The force of gravity pulling the block down the slope is given by mg sin θ, where m is the mass of the block, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of incline.

The force of friction, which opposes the block's motion, is μkmg cos θ, where μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction. If the force of friction equals the component of gravity along the slope, the block will move with a constant velocity. However, if the force of gravity is greater than the force of friction, the block will accelerate down the slope.

Given the information in the question, the block would accelerate down the slope because there is a net force acting on it. It is not at rest, moving at a constant velocity, or accelerating up the slope. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) The block is accelerating down the slope.

Thus option c. is correct answer.

User Tal Barda
by
8.2k points