- #1
mvantuyl
- 37
- 0
Not exactly a homework problem, but I'm trying to make sure I understand how the coefficient of static friction works.
Given an object on an inclined plane and a question which asks for the minimum angle at which the object will begin to slide, I know that the formula to use is:
mg sin([tex]\theta[/tex]) = [tex]\mu[/tex][tex]_{s}[/tex] mg cos([tex]\theta[/tex])
which becomes
tan[tex]^{-1}[/tex]([tex]\mu[/tex][tex]_{s}[/tex]) = [tex]\theta[/tex]
I understand that mg times the sin of the angle represents the force which is working against friction. Is mu mg times the cos of the angle equal to the normal force?
Given an object on an inclined plane and a question which asks for the minimum angle at which the object will begin to slide, I know that the formula to use is:
mg sin([tex]\theta[/tex]) = [tex]\mu[/tex][tex]_{s}[/tex] mg cos([tex]\theta[/tex])
which becomes
tan[tex]^{-1}[/tex]([tex]\mu[/tex][tex]_{s}[/tex]) = [tex]\theta[/tex]
I understand that mg times the sin of the angle represents the force which is working against friction. Is mu mg times the cos of the angle equal to the normal force?