FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

SOLVED PROBLEMS :
(1)
A wooden block rests on a horizontal plane as shown. Determine the force
P required to (a) Pull the block (b) To push the block as 100 N and the
coefficient of friction, = 0.4.

Solution :
Case (a) :
{Let us draw the F.B.D. of block considering the P is applied as shown or
we are pulling the block.}
F.B.D. of block

{In our scope of study we will assume that the block has motion only in one
direction i.e. either X- direction of Y direction. Hence, in this sum we can
assume that after the pull is applied the block will just start to move along the
plane and will not be lifted up.
Also the pull as applied may move the block to the right, hence direction of
frictional force is to the left.}

Fx 0 ( Positive)

Solving :

P cos 15 0.4 N = 0
Fy 0 ( Positive)

P sin 15 + N 100 = 0
P = 37.4 N

(1)
(2)

Case (b) :
F.B.D of block :

FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

{Here since the push is applied towards left, direction of friction is to the
right}

Fx 0 ( Positive)

P cos 15 + 0.4 N = 0
Fy 0 ( Positive)

(1)

Solving

(2)

P sin 15 + N 100 = 0
P = 46.38 N

{Note that we are solving for the condition that the body is just starting to move or
in fact hasnt moved at all. Hence there is no velocity (or acceleration) to talk
about.}

(2)
Block A of weight 2000 N is kept on an inclined plane at 35. It is
connected to weight B by an inextensible string passing over smooth pulley.
Determine the weight of pan B so that B just moves down. Assume = 0.2.

Solution :
{Here, as we increase the weight in pan B, at one instant; before which
block A was stationary; the pan B will just move down and hence block A will
move up the inclined.}
F. B. D. of block A

{T is tension in the string}

Fx 0 ( Positive)

T cos 20 0.2 N 2000 sin 35 = 0

(1)
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BLOCK FRICTION

Fy 0

Solving

SOLVED PROBLEMS

( Positive)

T sin 20 2000 cos 35 + N = 0

T = 1463.1 N

(2)

Now this tension is nothing but weight of pan B (as pulley is frictionless no
external force is present)

Weight of plan B for which motion just happens is W B = 1463.1 N.

(3)
Determine the value of force P which is needed to move 3000 N block
towards right as shown. The coefficient of friction for all surfaces is 0.4.

Solution :
{Let us understand what happens here first.
When the force P is applied to lower block it will move first to right. Hence
friction on it will be to the left.
Now as 1000 N is touching the 3000N block frictional force on 1000 N
block will be equal and opposite to that of 3000N block as shown below in FBD.}

F. B. D. of blocks : {As blocks are together we will draw FBD as shown}

FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

{Check the N2 normal reaction and 0.4 N 2 frictional force. They are shown
equal and opposite in direction as the two blocks were originally connected or
placed together. We had separated them in the F.B.D hence according to
Newtons third law,
For every action there is equal and opposite reaction the forces are shown
equal and opposite.}
For block of 1000 N weight (for impending motion)
Fx 0 ( Positive)

0.4N2 N3 = 0
Fy 0 ( Positive)
N2 = 1000 N

{There is no need to find N 3 as it is not required in further part of problem}

For block of 3000 N weight
Fx 0 ( Poisitve)

P cos 30 0.4 N1 0.4 N2 = 0

P cos 30 0.4 N1 400 = 0
Fy 0 ( Positive)

(1) { N2 = 1000 N}

P sin 30 + N1 N2 3000 = 0

P sin 30 + N1 4000 = 0
(2) { N2 = 1000 N}
Solving (1) and (2)
P = 1876.12 N
{Note that we first decided direction of friction for lower block as that was
the block on which force P was applied which caused impending motion.}
(4)
Two bodies of weight 400 N and 300 N are connected through a string as
shown. The coefficient of static friction between 400 N body and plane is 0.4 and
between 300 N body and plane is 0.2. Determine at what angle the bodies will
slide down the plane. If the string breaks will both bodies stop or continue sliding
downwards.

FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Ans.
Case (i) : The string remains intact
{Let us draw the F.B.D of both the blocks together.
Since the tension in string is not to be determined, we will not separate the
two bodies.}
F.B.D. of blocks

0.2N1

Fx 0 ( Positive)

300 sin + 0.2 N1 400 sin + 0.4 N2 = 0

0.2 N1 + 0.4 N2 700 sin = 0

(1)
{If we go ahead with applying
Fy 0 ( Positive) for entire system
then

N1 + N2 700 cos = 0 we will get stuck here}

Hence, Now consider

N1 300 cos = 0
N1 300 cos = 0

Also applying

Substituting

Fy 0

( Positive) only for 300 N block

(2)

Fy 0 ( Positive) only for 400 N block

N2 400 cos = 0
N2 400 cos = 0

(3)

(2) and (3) in (1)

0.2 (300 cos ) + 0.4 (400 cos ) 700 sin = 0
60 cos + 160 cos 700 sin = 0
220 cos 700 sin
sin 220

cos 700
tan = 0.314
= tan 1 (0.314)
= 17.45
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FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

{Note : We cant apply formula for angle of repose i.e.

= tan 1
As it was derived for a single body and remaining constant}
Case (ii) : If the string breaks :
If the string breaks, we have to consider the tension force also into our
calculations.
Hence, the F. B. D. of blocks will be modified as shown,

0.2N1

We have already calculated value of as 17.45 as the value at which

impending motion will occur.
Now during this impending motion the string breaks.
Note : That since the string is broken, there is no longer any tension force T. i.e.
T = 0.
Fy 0 ( Positive) for 300 N block

N1 300 cos 17.45 = 0

N1 = 286.19 N

Fy 0

( Positive)

N2 400 cos 17.45 = 0

N2 = 381.6 N
Now to check whether bodies are continuing to move we will find the
resultant, as resultant is required for motion.
For 300 N block,
Fx 0.2N1 300sin

= 0.2(286.19) 300 sin17.45

= 32.72N = 32.7N ()
This means that a resultant force of 32.7 N is generated which will be
responsible for sliding the 300 N block downwards.
Note that since the string has broken T is zero.

FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

For 400 N block,

Fx 0.4N2 400sin

= 0.4(381.6) 400 sin17.45

= 32.72N ()
This means that block of 400 N will not slide downwards as in our analysis
0.4 N2 was the maximum friction force. Hence the force of 400 sin will be
properly balanced and hence the block will not slide down.
(5)
A 100 N force acts as shown on a 30.6 kg block on an inclined plane.
s = 0.25 and k = 0.2 between block and surface. Determine whether block is in
equilibrium and find the value of friction force.

Solution :
To find whether the block is in equilibrium let us draw the F.B.D. of the
block.
We will find out the value of maximum friction force that can be generated
in the system.
After that we will find the actual frictional force in the system.
Now if the actual frictional force is less than the maximum friction force the
body will slide.
F.B.D. of block,

Let us assume that the block has a downward impending motion inspite of
applying the 100 N force.
Hence, direction of friction force f is opposite to direction of motion of
block. i.e. upwards.

{Since the motion happens along X-axis only,

Fy 0

Fy 0 remains unchanged}

( Positive)

N1 (30.6 9.81 cos 36.86) = 0

N1 = 240.18 N

(1)
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BLOCK FRICTION

For condition of impending motion,

Fx = 0 ( Positive)

100 + f (30.6 9.81 sin 36.86) = 0

f = 80.7 N or f theoretical = 80.07 N

SOLVED PROBLEMS

(A)

This is the maximum force of friction possible in the system and required to
keep system in equilibrium
But factual = N or N1
{Since we are considering impending motion condition = s}
= 0.25 240.18
= 60.05 N
Now as discussed earlier, f actual < ftheoretical , hence the body will slide
downwards.
{Important note: Explanation : If we look at equation (A) or find Fx by substituting
the value of f actual we get
Fx = 100 + 60.05 (30.6 9.81 sin 36.86)
= 20.02 N or 20.02 N () }
i.e. the actual friction force does not hold the block in equilibrium. In fact there is a
resultant force of 20.02N downwards which will cause motion of block
downwards.
Ftheoretical was the value at which the system would have been in
equilibrium}
Also now since the body slides, will be k.

f = k N
= 0.2 240.18
= 48.04 N . ANS
(6)
The coefficient of friction are s = 0.4 and k = 0.3 between all surfaces in
contact. Determine the smallest force P required to start the 30 kg block moving if
cable AB (a) is attached (b) is removed.

Solution :
Now since they have asked smallest force for causing motion, they are
talking about impending motion.
Hence,

= s = 0.4

FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Case (i) : If the cable is attached.

{Draw F.B.D. of both blocks and the direction of friction would be
determined by block of 30 kg since force P is applied to that block and this force
is cause of motion}
F.B.D. of blocks

{Since the string is same, Tension T remains same on both side of pulley. Also
since P is to left, 0.4 N 1 and 0.4 N2 {friction = N} are to right.
Now since 20 kg and 30 kg block are connected and according to Newtons
third law, 20 kg block will give a normal reaction N 2 on 30 kg and 30 kg block will
give a reaction of N 2 on block of 20 kg (equal and opposite). The same thing
happens in case of 0.4 N 2.}

For 20 kg block
Fx = 0
( positive)

T 0.4 N2 = 0
Fy = 0
( positive)

N2 = 20 9.81

N2 = 196.2 N
Equation (1) will become
T 0.4 (196.2) = 0

T = 78.48 N

For block of 30 kg mass,

Fx = 0 ( positive)

T P + 0.4 N1 + 0.4 N2 = 0

78.48 P + 0.4 N1 + 0.4(196.2) = 0

P 0.4 N1 = 156.96
(2)

(1)

Fy = 0 ( positive)

N1 N2 30 9.81 = 0

N1 = 490.5 N
Substitute N1 in equation (2)

P 0.4 (490.5) = 156.96

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FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

P = 353.16 N. Ans

Case (ii) : If string is removed :

For the smallest value pf P, both the blocks with move together.
F.B.D.

Fx = 0 ( positive)

P + 0.4 N1 = 0
Fy = 0

N1 = (20 + 30) 9.81

N1 = 490.5 N
Substitute in (1)

P = 196.2 N Ans

(1)

{Please note that if string is removed, there can be another case where 30
kg block will have relative motion with respect to 20 kg block. The case is
analysed below (for understanding) :
F.B.D. of blocks (with 30kg moving with respect to 20 kg)

For 20 kg block
Fy = 0 ( positive)
Since motion is along xaxis,
Fy = 0 is uncharged.

N2 = 20 9.81
= 196.2 N
30 kg block
Fy = 0 ( positive)

N1 N2 30 9.81 = 0

N1 = 490.5 N {You can see that N 1 is same as

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FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

previous case as motion is in X-direction}

Calculating value of P
Fx = 0 ( positive) in 30 kg block

P + 0.4N1 + 0.4N2 = 0

P + 0.4(490.5) + 0.4(196.2) = 0

P = 274.68 N
This value of P is more than previous value of P = 196.2 N
Hence, the smallest force will be P min = 196.2 N in any case.

Also it is interesting to note that the 20kg block is going to slide to left due
to an unbalanced friction force 0.4 N 2 ()
In fact condition of impending motion is already broken, after applying more
force than 196.2 N}
(6)
Two rectangular blocks of weight W 1 = 150 N and W = 100 N are
connected by a string and rest on an inclined plane and on horizontal surface. =
0.2 for all surfaces. Find magnitude and direction of last force at which the motion
of blocks will impend.

Solution:
{It is clearly stated that force P should be such that motion must impend.
Hence on application of force P, block with weight W will move to left and
W 1 will move up the plane.}
Consider F.B.D. of block with weight W 1

Fx = 0 ( positive)

0.2 N1 T + 150 sin 60 = 0

(1)
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FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Fy = 0 ( positive)

N1 150 cos 60 = 0

N1 = 75 N
Substitute in (1)

T = 144.9 N

Consider F. B. D. of block with weight W

Fx = 0 ( positive)

T P cos 0.2 N2 = 0

144.9 P cos 0.2 N2 = 0

Fy = 0 ( positive)

P sin N2 100 = 0

N2 = 100 P sin (3)

Eliminating N2 from (2) and (3)

144.9 P cos + 0.2 (100 P sin ) = 0

0.2 P sin + P cos 164.9 = 0

(A)

(2)

Now if we observe we cant solve above equation as the number of unknowns are
more than one

dP

To find the least value of P for which motion impends

0.
d
{This is minima condition,
1)
First we would write the function for which we have to find maximum or
minimum value say f(x)
2)
Then we take f (x) = 0 i.e. first order derivative and equate it to zero.
3)
We get some roots (values) for x, say x 1 and x2
4)
Find f(x) second order derivative then if f(x 1) > 0 function is minima}
Here we are supposed to find minima value of P. Hence take the first order
derivative of P with respect to and equate it to zero.

0. 2

d
d
b
b
b164.9g 0
P sin g
P cos g
d
d
d
d

From (A)

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FRICTION

But

BLOCK FRICTION

LM
N

0. 2 P

OP LM
Q N

SOLVED PROBLEMS

OP
Q

d
dp
d
dP
sin sin
P cos cos
0
d
d
d
d

dP
0
d

0.2 P cos P sin = 0

0.2 cos = sin

tan = 0.2

= tan 1 (0.2)

= 11.3

Substitute above value in (A)

P = 161.7 N

(8)
A 8.15 kg block is attached to link AB and rest on a moving belt. Knowing
that s = 0.25 and k = 0.2, determine the magnitude of horizontal force P which
should be applied to the belt to maintain its motion to the right.

Solution :
Let us understand what is actually happening here.
The belt is moving to the right. The block is placed on the belt. So typically
it should also move to the right.
But it will not move as it is attached to rod AB. Hence a force will develop
in rod AB which will hold block in its position.
Also as the belt is in motion we will take = k
F.B.D of system

{Since belt moves to right friction force acting on it is to left. Hence friction
force on block is to right. Note that do not consider friction force for block to left
as the blocks motion is restrained.}

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FRICTION

BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

For the block :

Fx = 0 ( positive)

FAB cos 30 0.2 N1 = 0

Fy = 0 ( positive)

FAB sin 30N1 (8.15 9.81) = 0

FAB sin 30N1 (8.15 9.81) = 0

FAB = 16.55 N
N1 = 71.67 N
For the belt :
Fx = 0 ( positive)

P 0.2 N1 = 0

P = 14.334 N
{Note : N2 is reaction given by rollers on the belt.}
(9)
A crate of mass of 40 kg is pulled by a force of P as shown. The coefficient
of static friction between crate and floor is 0.35. Determine (a) The magnitude of
P to move the crate. (b) Whether the crate will slide or tip?

Solution :
{Note : In this problem, the dimensions of crate or box are also given. Hence we
have to take the moment generated by force P also into picture}
There are two possibilities :
Case (i) : The box will slide (to the left)
F.B.D. of crate :

Fx = 0 ( positive)

P cos 40 + 0.35 N 1 = 0

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BLOCK FRICTION

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Fy = 0 ( positive)

P sin 40N1 (40 9.81) = 0

P = 138.58 N
N1 = 303.32 N
Case (ii) : The box will tip : (At point A)

{Weight will act at the centre i.e. 0.4m from A}

MFA = 0 (positive)

P sin 40 0.8 40 9.8 0.4 = 0

P cos 40 0.5

P = 174.93 N

{When the block is about to tip the only point on block in contact with ground is A.
In reality the block will appear something like this

But as the block is just supposed to tip we assume AD is horizontal.

Hence the normal reaction will be seen specifically at point A. Also the
weight (40 9.81) will act at the centre i.e. 0.4 m from A.
The moment generated by 0.35 N and N 1 force will be zero as we are
required to find moment through A and these pass through A.}
Now, out of these two cases, the first case will happen first as value of P is
less.
Hence ANSWER is :

The block will slide and value for impending motion is 138.58 Nans

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