A wooden block of mass is kept on a fixed rough plane that can be slowly tilted about…
PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A wooden block of mass m is kept on a fixed rough plane that can be slowly tilted about its lower edge.
(i) Define the term angle of repose.
(ii) With the help of a clearly labelled free-body diagram, describe the forces acting on the block just at the instant it is about to slide down the incline.
(iii) Give a qualitative explanation, without detailed algebraic steps, why the tangent of the angle of repose is equal to the coefficient of static friction for the pair of surfaces.
(iv) State any two practical factors that may alter the numerical value of the coefficient of static friction between the same wooden block and the plane.