If an object just begins to slide on a surface inclined at 30º to the horizontal,the coefficient of friction is?
Answer Details
The coefficient of friction is a number that represents the resistance to motion between two objects in contact. It is determined by the properties of the surfaces in contact and the force pressing them together.
When an object just begins to slide on a surface inclined at 30º to the horizontal, the coefficient of friction can be calculated using the formula:
friction = μ * normal force
where μ is the coefficient of friction and normal force is the force perpendicular to the surface. In this case, the normal force is equal to the weight of the object, which is given by the formula:
normal force = object weight * cos(30º)
Combining these two formulas, we can calculate the coefficient of friction:
friction = μ * object weight * cos(30º)
Since the object is just beginning to slide, the friction force is equal to the force needed to start the slide, which is the gravitational force acting on the object down the incline. Therefore, we can set these two equal:
friction = object weight * sin(30º)
Solving for μ, we get:
μ = friction / (object weight * cos(30º)) = sin(30º) / cos(30º) = 1/√3
So, the coefficient of friction for an object just beginning to slide on a surface inclined at 30º to the horizontal is 1/√3.