Chapter 4: Problem 29
A block of mass \(10 \mathrm{~kg}\) is placed in a car going down an incline of inclination \(60^{\circ}\). If the coefficient of friction between the block and car floor is \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\). Find the acceleration \(a\) of car down the incline so that the block doesn't slip on the car surface. (a) \(a \geq \frac{g}{\sqrt{3}}\) (b) \(\alpha \geq \frac{2 g}{\sqrt{3}}\) (c) \(a<\frac{g}{\sqrt{3}}\) or \(a>\frac{2 g}{\sqrt{3}}\) (d) \(\frac{g}{\sqrt{3}} \leq a \leq \frac{2 g}{\sqrt{3}}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Forces on the Block
Find the Expression for Frictional Force
Analyze Non-slipping Condition
Calculate Normal Force
Determine Maximum Static Friction
Setup Equation for Acceleration
Solve for Acceleration
Find the Correct Mathematical Condition for a
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Frictional Force
- When a car moves down an incline, the frictional force acts upward along the plane, opposing the gravitational pull on the block.
- This force is dependent on two factors: the normal force (the perpendicular force from a surface) and the coefficient of friction, a value indicating how rough the surface is.
Static Friction
- The maximum value of static friction is given by \( f_s = \mu_s N \).
- It is important to note that this friction exists only up to a certain threshold, beyond which motion occurs, and kinetic friction takes over.
The equation \( ma = mg\sin(\theta) + f \) involves static friction to calculate the limits where \( a \) must lie to prevent slipping.
Newton's Laws of Motion
1. **First Law**: An object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force. This law implies that the static frictional force counteracts other forces to keep the block stationary.
2. **Second Law**: The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration \( F = ma \). Applying this to our scenario allows us to balance forces and solve for the acceleration \( a \) of the car.
3. **Third Law**: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the car accelerates, the block experiences a reactionary force, which static friction counters to keep the block from slipping.
Block Mass Acceleration
- The car's acceleration must be enough to counteract the component of gravitational force pulling the block down the incline.
- The expression \( ma = mg\sin(\theta) + f \) represents the equilibrium of forces, ensuring the block does not move relative to the car.