Find Force of Friction on Wedge: Shm Physics Help

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In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of finding the force of friction between the ground and a wedge with a mass attached to a spring, placed on a rough surface. The angle of inclination of the wedge is 60 degrees and the small block is displaced by a distance x. The solution involves calculating the force acting on the mass m and using the equations for force and acceleration to find the force of friction. There is a discrepancy between the given answer and the calculated answer, possibly due to a mistake or confusion with the variable used.
  • #1
chaoseverlasting
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Homework Statement


A wedge of mass M is placed on a rough surface with a mass m attached to a spring placed rigidly on the wedge. The surface b/w the wedge and the mass m is smooth and the surface between the wegde and the ground is sufficiently rough to keep the wedge from moving. The angle of inclination of the wedge w.r.t ground is 60 degrees. The small block is displaced by a small distance x. Find the force of friction between the ground and the wedge.


Homework Equations



[tex]\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2)=-kx[/tex]
[tex]x=asin(\omega t)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Force acting on the mass m :

[tex]F=-kx[/tex]
Force along the horizontal direction:
[tex]F=-kxcos(60)[/tex]
[tex]F=-\frac{1}{2}kx[/tex]
[tex]m\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-\frac{1}{2}kx[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-\frac{1 k}{2 m}x[/tex]
[tex]a=-\frac{k}{2m}asin(\omega t)[/tex]
[tex]\frac{k}{m}=\omega ^2[/tex]
[tex]f_r=Ma[/tex]
[tex]f_r=\frac{1 Ma\omega ^2sin(\omega t)}{2}[/tex]

but the answer given is [tex]f_r=\frac{ma\omega ^2sin(\omega t)}{2}[/tex]
Is the book wrong or have I made a mistake?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Are you using a to mean two different things here?
 
  • #3
Yeah, sorry. In the end it should be A, for amplitude.
 

Related to Find Force of Friction on Wedge: Shm Physics Help

1. What is the force of friction on a wedge?

The force of friction on a wedge is the resistance force that acts on the surface of the wedge and opposes the motion of an object on it. It is caused by the intermolecular forces between the surfaces of the wedge and the object.

2. How do you calculate the force of friction on a wedge?

The force of friction on a wedge can be calculated using the formula Ff = μN, where Ff is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force exerted on the wedge by the object.

3. What factors affect the force of friction on a wedge?

The force of friction on a wedge is affected by the coefficient of friction, the normal force, and the surface area of contact between the wedge and the object. It also depends on the materials of the wedge and the object.

4. How does the force of friction affect the motion of an object on a wedge?

The force of friction on a wedge can either increase or decrease the speed of an object depending on its direction. If the friction force acts in the opposite direction of the object's motion, it will slow it down. If it acts in the same direction, it can help the object to move or maintain its speed.

5. How can the force of friction on a wedge be reduced?

The force of friction on a wedge can be reduced by using a lubricant between the surfaces of the wedge and the object. It can also be reduced by using materials with lower coefficients of friction or by decreasing the normal force exerted on the wedge.

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