A ball mass 2kg rests on a slope of angle 60 degrees. If it is stationary, calculate the coefficient of static friction

Because the ball is stationary, the sum of the forces acting on it must be equal to 0. We can split the ball's weight into two components: perpendicular and parallel to the slope.W(para)=2gsin60W(perp)=2gcos60The frictional force is equal to the coefficient of friction multiplied by the normal reaction force. We know this reaction force, N, must balance W(perp)N=W(perp)=2gcos60Since the frictional force (F=uN) must be equal to W(para), we can find the coefficient of friction by dividing W(para) by N, to give u=tan60

ME

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

How do I make a free body diagram ?


Why does the temperature of a body stay constant during a change of state?


What is the difference between the centripetal acceleration and the centrifugal force?


Describe the key difference between a scalar and a vector quantity