Question

The diagram below represents a 10.-newton block sliding at constant speed down a plane that makes an angle of 30.° with the horizontal. The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block is

Answer 1

The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block is 5 N.

How to calculate the magnitude of friction force?

The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block is calculated as follows;

F(net) = ma

where;

• m is mass
• a is acceleration

Since the block is sliding at a constant speed, the acceleration = 0

F(net) = 0

- F(parall component of weight) - F(friction) = 0

- W sinθ - Fs = 0

Fs = - W sinθ

where;

• W is the weight of the block
• θ is the angle of inclination

Fs = -10 N x sin (30)

Fs = - 5 N

The magnitude of the force = 5 N