Math Problem Statement

One block is at one end of a 2 m long platform. Slowly raising that end, the block begins to slip when it is 1.03 m high, and then takes 2.2 s to slide to the other end, which remained on the ground. What is the coefficient of static friction between the block and the platform? What is the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Solution

We have a block on a 2-meter-long platform. The block begins to slip when the platform is raised to a height of 1.03 meters, and it takes 2.2 seconds to slide down to the other end once the block starts moving. Our task is to find:

  1. The coefficient of static friction (μs\mu_s) between the block and the platform.
  2. The coefficient of kinetic friction (μk\mu_k).

Step 1: Determine the angle at which the block begins to slip

The block slips when the angle of the platform relative to the ground reaches a critical value. The height of the raised end is 1.03 m, and the length of the platform is 2 m. Using the geometry of a right triangle, we can calculate the angle of inclination θ\theta:

sin(θ)=heightlength=1.032\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{height}}{\text{length}} = \frac{1.03}{2} θ=sin1(1.032)sin1(0.515)31\theta = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{1.03}{2}\right) \approx \sin^{-1}(0.515) \approx 31^\circ

Step 2: Calculate the coefficient of static friction (μs\mu_s)

The block begins to slip when the component of the gravitational force along the incline exceeds the maximum static friction force. The condition for slipping is:

μs=tan(θ)\mu_s = \tan(\theta)

Where θ\theta is the angle of the incline. Using θ=31\theta = 31^\circ:

μs=tan(31)0.601\mu_s = \tan(31^\circ) \approx 0.601

Thus, the coefficient of static friction is approximately μs0.601\mu_s \approx 0.601.

Step 3: Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction (μk\mu_k)

Once the block starts sliding, we can analyze the motion to find the coefficient of kinetic friction. The block slides 2 meters in 2.2 seconds. First, we'll find the acceleration of the block using the kinematic equation:

d=12at2d = \frac{1}{2} a t^2 Where:

  • d=2md = 2 \, \text{m} (the length of the platform),
  • t=2.2st = 2.2 \, \text{s},
  • aa is the acceleration of the block.

Solving for aa:

2=12a(2.2)22 = \frac{1}{2} a (2.2)^2 a=2×2(2.2)244.840.826m/s2a = \frac{2 \times 2}{(2.2)^2} \approx \frac{4}{4.84} \approx 0.826 \, \text{m/s}^2

Next, we apply Newton's second law along the incline:

mgsin(θ)μkmgcos(θ)=mam g \sin(\theta) - \mu_k m g \cos(\theta) = m a

Canceling the mass (mm):

gsin(θ)μkgcos(θ)=ag \sin(\theta) - \mu_k g \cos(\theta) = a

Substitute known values (g=9.8m/s2g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2, sin(31)0.515\sin(31^\circ) \approx 0.515, cos(31)0.857\cos(31^\circ) \approx 0.857):

9.8×0.515μk×9.8×0.857=0.8269.8 \times 0.515 - \mu_k \times 9.8 \times 0.857 = 0.826 5.0478.398μk=0.8265.047 - 8.398 \mu_k = 0.826 8.398μk=4.2218.398 \mu_k = 4.221 μk4.2218.3980.503\mu_k \approx \frac{4.221}{8.398} \approx 0.503

Thus, the coefficient of kinetic friction is approximately μk0.503\mu_k \approx 0.503.

Final Answers:

  • The coefficient of static friction: μs0.601\mu_s \approx 0.601
  • The coefficient of kinetic friction: μk0.503\mu_k \approx 0.503

Would you like further details on any step or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How would the results change if the platform length were longer?
  2. What if the height was less than 1.03 m—how would that affect μs\mu_s?
  3. How does increasing the mass of the block affect the coefficients of friction?
  4. What are the conditions under which kinetic friction becomes greater than static friction?
  5. Can we calculate the block's final velocity after sliding 2 m down the platform?

Tip: Always verify which type of friction applies before solving. Static friction acts until motion begins, and kinetic friction takes over once the object is in motion.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Kinematics
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Static and Kinetic Friction

Formulas

sin(θ) = height / length
μ_s = tan(θ)
d = ½ a t²
g sin(θ) - μ_k g cos(θ) = a

Theorems

Newton's Second Law
Relation between Friction and Inclination

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12