- #1
texan14
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Homework Statement
A block of mass 'm' is placed on an inclined plane which has an adjustable angle with the horizontal. The angle is increased slowly from zero until the block just starts to slide. This angle is called the critical angle, θs.
Express the coefficient of friction in terms of θs.
Homework Equations
F = m*a
friction = μ*(normal force, N)
μ = coefficient of friction
The Attempt at a Solution
Fx = m*ax
m*ax = m*g*sinθs - μN
m*ay = m*g*cosθs - N
After I set both equations equal to the normal force, N, I got:
μ = (m*g*sins-m*ax) / (m*g*cosθs-m*ay)
If I am allowed to set the acceleration equal to zero, I would get μ = tanθs, which is the correct answer. But since the block "just starts to slide" at θs, I don't think the acceleration would equal zero... Help please?