Physics 101

Homework 5
Due September 8

1. What is the maximum acceleration a car can undergo if the coefficient of static friction
between the tires and the ground is 0.80?
Solution:
A free-body diagram for the accelerating car is shown. The car does not accelerate vertically,
and so FN mg . The static frictional force is the accelerating force, and so Ffr ma . If we
assume the maximum acceleration, then we need the maximum force, and so the static frictional
force would be its maximum value of s FN . Thus we have
r
FN

Ffr ma s FN ma s mg ma

a s g 0.80 9.8 m s 2 7.8 m s 2

r
Ffr

r
mg

2. The coefficient of static friction between hard rubber and normal street pavement is about
0.8. On how steep a hill (maximum angle) can you leave a car parked?
Solution:
From lecture we know that
s tan max 0.8 max tan 1 0.8 39 o 40 o

More detailed solution (optional):

See the included free-body diagram. To find the maximum angle, assume that the car is just
ready to slide, so that the force of static friction is a maximum. Write Newtons 2nd law for both
directions. Note that for both directions, the net force must be zero since the car is not
accelerating.

F
F

FN mg cos 0 FN mg cos

mg sin Ffr 0 mg sin Ffr s FN s mg cos

mg sin
mg cos

tan 0.8 tan 1 0.8 39o 40 o

r
FN

r
Ffr

r
mg

A force of 48.0 N is required to start a 5.0-kg box moving across a horizontal concrete floor. (a)
What is the coefficient of static friction between the box and the floor? (b) If the 48.0-N force
continues, the box accelerates at 0.70 m s 2 . What is the coefficient of kinetic friction?
Solution:
A free-body diagram for the box is shown.
Since the box does not accelerate vertically, FN mg

r
Ffr

r
FN r
FP
r
mg

Physics 101

Homework 5
Due September 8

(a) To start the box moving, the pulling force must just overcome the force of static friction, and that
means the force of static friction will reach its maximum value of Ffr s FN . Thus we have for the
starting motion,
F
48.0 N
FP Ffr s FN s mg s P
0.98
mg 5.0 kg 9.8 m s 2

(b) The same force diagram applies, but now the friction is kinetic friction, and the pulling force is NOT
equal to the frictional force, since the box is accelerating to the right.

F F

Ffr ma FP k FN ma FP k mg ma

FP ma
mg

48.0 N 5.0 kg 0.70 m s 2

5.0 kg 9.8 m

0.91

3. A mass m is placed on an inclined plane (m > 0) and slides down the plane with constant
speed. How would move a similar block (same m) of mass 2m if it placed on the same
incline?
Solution:
The component of gravity acting down the plane is double for 2m. However, the normal force
(and hence the friction force) is also double (the same factor!). This means the two forces still
cancel to give a net force of zero. So, the block would slide down at constant speed. Please look
lecture 5, slide 6.

4. A box sits on a flat board. You lift one end of the board, making an angle with the floor. As
you increase the angle, the box will eventually begin to slide down. Why? (Note: there are
two reasons!)
Solution:
1) The component of the gravity force parallel to the plane increased.
2) The normal force exerted by the board decreased. Since friction depends on Normal force, we
see that the friction force gets smaller.