An object with a mass of #8 kg# is on a ramp at an incline of #pi/12 #. If the object is being pushed up the ramp with a force of # 4 N#, what is the minimum coefficient of static friction needed for the object to remain put?

1 Answer
May 4, 2017

The coefficient of static friction is #=-0.22#

Explanation:

Taking the direction up and parallel to the plane as positive #↗^+#

The coefficient of static friction is #mu_s=F_r/N#

Then the net force on the object is

#F=F_r+Wsintheta#

#=F_r+mgsintheta#

#=mu_sN+mgsintheta#

#=mmu_sgcostheta+mgsintheta#

#=mg(mu_scostheta+sintheta)#

So,

#F/(mg)=(mu_scostheta+sintheta)#

#mu_scostheta=F/(mg)-sintheta#

#mu_s=1/costheta*(F/(mg)-sintheta)#

#=1/cos(pi/12)*(4/(8*9.8)-sin(pi/12))#

#=-0.22#