Friction versus Gravity (Work on an Incline)

In summary, the conversation is discussing the calculation of work done on a 5kg block on an incline plane with a 12 degree down angle and a coefficient of friction of .31. The calculations for work gravity and work friction are shown, but there is uncertainty about the use of sin or cos of 348 degrees, which represents the downward angle. The conversation also mentions the importance of correctly characterizing the forces involved. A link to a helpful resource on the topic is provided.
  • #1
Ronnin
168
1
Can someone verify my calculations here? I have a 5kg block on an incline plane 12 degrees down angle. Mu k is .31 and slides a distance of 1.5m down the ramp.

Work gravity=5k(9.8 m/s^2)sin(348)(1.5m)=-15.29J
Work friction=.31(5k(9.8 m/s^2)cos(348)(1.5m)=22.29J

This can't be right, can it?
 
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  • #2
Why sin or cos of 348, which looks like 360°-12°?

Work, like energy, is a scalar.

Work is given by the force applied over a distance.

One must assure the force is correctly characterized. Find the component of the gravitational force (weight) acting parallel with the incline. The friction is proportional (via friction factor) to the gravitational force component acting normal to the incline.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/N2st.html
 
  • #3
Astronuc said:
Why sin or cos of 348, which looks like 360°-12°?

Work, like energy, is a scalar.

Work is given by the force applied over a distance.

One must assure the force is correctly characterized. Find the component of the gravitational force (weight) acting parallel with the incline. The friction is proportional (via friction factor) to the gravitational force component acting normal to the incline.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/N2st.html

I used 348 because the slope is downward from 0. Is any of my math wrong?
 

FAQ: Friction versus Gravity (Work on an Incline)

What is the difference between friction and gravity when working on an incline?

Friction is a force that opposes motion, while gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the center of the earth. When working on an incline, friction acts in the opposite direction of motion, while gravity pulls objects downwards.

How does friction affect an object's motion on an incline?

Friction can slow down an object's motion on an incline, as it acts in the opposite direction of the object's movement. This can make it more difficult to move an object up an incline.

What is the relationship between the angle of an incline and the amount of friction present?

The steeper the incline, the greater the amount of friction present. This is because as the angle of the incline increases, the component of gravity pulling the object downwards also increases, resulting in more friction.

How does the weight of an object affect its motion on an incline?

The weight of an object is directly related to the force of gravity acting on it. The greater the weight of an object, the greater the force of gravity pulling it downwards. This can make it more difficult to move an object up an incline.

What are some real-life examples of friction and gravity working on an incline?

Some examples include pushing a heavy box up a ramp, sliding down a playground slide, and walking up a steep hill. In all of these situations, friction and gravity are both at play, affecting the motion of objects on an incline.

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