FRICTION

1. FRICTION
When two bodies are kept in contact, electromagnetic forces act between the charged particles (molecules)
at the surfaces of the bodies. Thus, each body exerts a contact force on the other. The magnitudes of the
contact forces acting on the two bodies are equal but their directions are opposite and therefore the contact
forces obey Newtons third law.

The direction of the contact force acting on a particular body is not necessarily perpendicular to the contact
surface. We can resolve this contact force into two components, one perpendicular to the contact surface
and the other parallel to it (figure. The perpendicular component is called the normal contact force or normal
force ( generally written as N) and the parallel component is called friction (generally written as f).
Therefore if R is contact force then
R= f 2 N2

2. REASONS FOR FRICTION

(i) nter-locking of extended parts of one object into the extended parts of the other object.
(ii) Bonding between the molecules of the two surfaces or objects in contact.

3. FRICTION FORCE IS OF TWO TYPES.

a. Kinetic b. Static
(a) Kinetic Friction Force
Kinetic friction exists between two contact surfaces only when there is relative motion between
the two contact surfaces. It stops acting when relative motion between two surfaces ceases.
Direction of kinetic friction on an object
t is opposite to the relative velocity of the object with respect to the other object in contact considered.
Note that its direction is not opposite to the force applied it is opposite to the relative motion of the
body considered which is in contact with the other surface.

Example 1.
Find the direction of kinetic friction force

(a) on the block, exerted by the ground.

(b) on the ground, exerted by the block.

1
Sol. (a)

(b)

where f1 and f2 are the friction forces on the block and ground respectively.

Example 2.
The correct relation between magnitude of f1 and f2 is
(A) f 1 > f2 (B) f 2 > f1
(C) f 1 = f 2 (D) not possible to decide due to insufficient data.
Solution :
By Newtons third law the above friction forces are action-reaction pair and equal but opposite to each other
in direction. Hence (C).
Also note that the direction of kinetic friction has nothing to do with applied force F.

Example 3.
All surfaces as shown in the figure are rough. Draw the friction force on A & B
A 10m/s

B 20m/s
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Solution :

Kinetic friction acts in such a way so as to reduce relative motion.

Example 4.
Find out the distance travelled by the blocks shown in the figure before it stops.

10 m/s
10 kg
/////////////////////////////////////////
k=0.5

Solution :
N

fk

10g
f x = kN
= s = k when not mentioned
f x = 0.5 100 = 50 N
N 10 g = 0
N = 100 N
F = ma
50 = 10 a a = 5
v 2 = u2 + 2as
02 = 102 + 2 (5) (5)

2
 S = 10 m
Example 5. s
m/
Find out the distance travelled by the block on incline before it stops. Initial 10

velocity of the block is 10 m/s and coefficeint of friction between the block
and incline is = 0.5.
37 fixed
Solution :
N = mg cos37
mg sin 37 + N = ma
a = 10 m/s2 down the incline
Now v 2 = u2 + 2as
0 = 102 + 2(10) S
S=5m

Example 6.
Find the time taken in the above case by the block to reach the initial position.
Solution :

5m

a = g sin 37 g cos 37
a = 2 m/s2 down the incline

1 2 1
S = ut + at S= 2 t2
2 2

t= 5 sec.

Example 7.
A block is given a velocity of 10 m/s and a force of 100 N in addition to friction force is also acting on the
block. Find the retardation of the block?

10 m/s 100 N

Sol. As there is relative motion

kinetic friction will act to reduce this relative motion.

N
100 N

N = fx
10 m/s

f k = N = 0.1 10 10 = 10 N
100 + 10 = 10a

3
 110
a= = 11 m/s2
10
Example 8.
Find out the acceleration of the block as shown in the figure.

30 N

10 Kg

=0.5

30 N

Sol. 10 Kg
f = 30
0 f fmax
0 fs N
30 f = 0
Hence a = 0

(b) STATIC FRICTION

t exists between the two surfaces when there is tendency of relative motion but no relative motion
along the two contact surface.
For example consider a bed inside a room ; when we gently push the bed with a finger, the bed does
not move. This means that the bed has a tendency to move in the direction of applied force but does
not move as there exists static friction force acting in the opposite direction of the applied force.

Example 9.
What is value of static friction force on the block?

Solution : In horizontal direction as acceleration is zero.

Therefore F = 0 .
= 0

Direction of static friction force :

The static friction force on an object is opposite to its impending motion relative to the surface.
Following steps should be followed in determining the direction of static friction force on an object.
(i) Draw the free body diagram with respect to the other object on which it is kept.
(ii) Include pseudo force also if contact surface is accelerating.
(iii) Decide the resultant force and the component parallel to the surface of this resultant force.
(iv) The direction of static friction is opposite to the above component of resultant force.

4
 Note : Here once again the static friction is involved when there is no relative motion between two
surfaces.

Example 10.
In the following figure an object of mass M is kept on a rough table as seen from above.
Forces are applied on it as shown. Find the direction of static friction if the object does
not move.

Solution :
In the above problem we first draw the free body diagram of find the resultant force.

As the object doe not move this is not a case of limiting friction. The direction of static friction is opposite to
the direction of the resultant force FR as shown in figure by fs . Its magnitude is equal to 25 N.

4. MAGNITUDE OF KINETIC AND STATIC FRICTION

Kinetic friction :
The magnitude of the kinetic friction is proportional to the normal force acting between the two bodies. We
can write
f k = k N
where N is the normal force. The proportionality constant k is called the coefficient of kinetic friction
and its value depends on the nature of the two surfaces in contact. If the surfaces are smooth k will be
small, if the surfaces are rough k will be large. It also depends on the materials of the two bodies in contact.
Static friction :
The magnitude of static friction is equal and opposite to the external force exerted, till the object at which
force is exerted is at rest. This means it is a variable and self adjusting force. However it has a
maximum value called limiting friction.
f max = sN
The actual force of static friction may be smaller than sN and its value depends on other forces acting on the
body. The magnitude of frictional force is equal to that required to keep the body at relative rest.
0 f s f smax
Here s and k are proportionality constants. s is called coefficient of static friction and k is called coefficient
of kinetic friction. They are dimensionless quantities independent of shape and area of contact . It is a
property of the two contact
surfaces. s > k for a given pair of surfaces. If not mentioned then s = k can be
taken. Value of can be from 0 to .

5
 Following table gives a rough estimate of the values of coefficient of static friction between certain pairs of
materials. The actual value depends on the degree of smoothness and other environmental factors. For
example, wood may be prepared at various degrees of smoothness and the friction coefficient will vary.

Material s Material s
Steel and steel 0.58 Copper and copper 1.60
Steel and brass 0.35 Teflon and teflon 0.04
Glass and glass 1.00 Rubber tyre on dry
1.0
Wood and wood 0.35 concrete road
Rubber tyre on wet
Wood and metal 0.40 0.7
concrete road

Example 11.
Find acceleration of block. Initially the block is at rest.

50 N

10 Kg

=0.5

Solution : zero

Example 12.
Find out acceleration of the block. Initially the block is at rest.

40 N
37

10 Kg

=0.5

Solution :

40 sin 37 = 24
N
37
40 cos 37 = 32

10 m/s

6
 N + 24 100 = 0 0 for vertical direction
N = 76 N
Now 0 of s N
0 fs 76 0.5
0 f 38 N
32 < 38 Hence f = 32
acceleration of block is zero.

Example 13.
Find out acceleration of the block for different ranges of F.

F
m

Solution :
0 f SN
0 f Smg
a=0 if F Smg

F Mg
a= if F > Mg
M

Example 14.
Find out acceleration of the block. Initially the block is at rest.

51N
10 kg

S = 0.5
k = 0.3

Solution : 0 fs SN
0 fs 50
Now 51 > 50
Block will move but if the block starts moving then kinetic friction is involved.
KF = k N = 0.3 100 = 30 N
51
10 51 30 = 10 a
30
a = 2.1 m/s2

Example 15.
Find out the minimum force that must be applied on the block vertically 100N
10kg
downwards so that the block doesnt move.
=0.5
N F
Sol. 10 kg
100N
f
10 g

100 fs = 0

7
 f s = 100 . ....... (1)
F + 10 g = N N = 100 + F . .......... (2)
Now 0 fS N
0 fs N
100 0.5 N
100 0.5N [100 + F]
200 100 + F
F 100 N
Minimum F = 100 N

Example 16.
The angle of inclination is slowly increased. Find out the angle at which the block starts moving.

Solution :

N f
s
g co
sin m
mg

0 & S N
mg sin > f smax
mg sin > N
mg sin > mg cos
tan >
= tan1
for tan no sliding on inclined plane.
This method is used for finding out the value of practically.

Example 17.
Find out the acceleration of the block. If the block is initially at rest.

N
5
kg 7
10

37 fixed

=0.05

Sol. (FBD of the block excluding friction) N

75
kg
10
N = 10 g cos 37 = 80 N 7
Now 0 fs N os3
37 c
0 f s 0.5 80 sin Mg
Mg
f s 40 N

8
 N
75

60 80

We will put value of f in the last i.e. in the direction opposite to resultant of other forces. f acts down the
incline and its value is of = 75 60 = 15 N

Example 18.
In the above problem how much force should be added to 75 N force so that block starts to move up the
incline.
Sol. 60 + 40 = 75 + f s
f s = 25 N

Example 19.
In the abvove problem what is the minimum force by which 75 N force should be replaced with so that the
block does not move.
Solution :
In this case the block has a tendency to move downwards.
Hence friction acts upwards.

F
40

60
F + 40 = 60
F = 20 N

Example 20.

Top view of a block on a table is shown (g = 10 m/s2) .

10 kg
Find out the accleration of the block. 40N

40 N
40N
Sol.
=0.5
40 g FR = 40 2 56N

Now fs N
f s 50
FR > f smax
Hence the block will move.

40 2 50
a=
10

= 4 2 5 m/s2
Example 21.
Find minimum so that the blocks remain stationary.

9
 50

100 kg

Sol. T = 100 g = 1000 N 1000

f = 1000 to keep the block stationary f
Now fmax = 1000
N = 1000
=2
Can be greater than 1 ?
Yes 0 <

Example 22.
Find out minimum acceleration of block A so that the 10 kg block doesnt fall.

a

A 10

Solution :
N
Applying NL in horizontal direction
N = 10 a . ........ (1) a
N 10
Applying NL in vertical direction
10 g = N .......(2) 10 g
10 g = 10 a from (1) & (2)

a = g

= 20 m/s2
Example 23.
Find the tension in the string in situation as shwon in the figure below. Forces 120 N and 100 N start acting
when the system is at rest and the maximum value of static friction on 10 kg is 90 N and that on 20 kg is 60N?

Solution :
(i) Let us assume that system moves towards left then as it is clear from FBD, net force in horizontal
direction is towards right. Therefore the assumption is not valid.

Above assumption is not possible as net force on system comes towards right. Hence system is not
moving towards left.
(ii) Similarly let us assume that system moves towards right.

Above assumption is also not possible as net force on the system is towards left in this situation.
Hence assumption is again not valid.
Therefore it can be concluded that the system is stationary.

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 Assuming that the 10 kg block reaches limiting friction first then using FBDs.

120 = T + 90 T = 30 N
Also T + f = 100
30 + f = 100
f = 70 N which is not possible as the limiting value is 60 N for this surface of block.
Our assumption is wrong and now taking the 20 kg surface to be limiting we have

T + 60 = 100 N T = 40 N
Also f + T = 120 N f = 80 N
This is acceptable as static friction at this surface should be less than 90 N.
Hence the tension in the string is
T = 40 N.

Example 24.
In the following figure force F is gradually increased from zero. Draw the
graph between applied force F and tension T in the string. The coefficient of
static friction between the block and the ground is s .

Solution :
As the external force F is gradually increased from zero it is compensated by the
friction and the string bears no tension. When limiting friction is achieved by increasing
force F to a value till smg, the further increase in F is transferred to the string.

Example 25.
Force F is gradually increased from zero. Determine whether the block will first slide or lift up?

Solution :
There are minimum magnitude of forces required both in horizontal and vertical direction either to slide on lift
up the block. The block will first slide on lift up will depend upon which minimum magnitude of force is lesser.
For vertical direction to start lifting up
F sin 37 + N Mg 0.
N becomes zero just lifting condition.

10g
Flift
3/5

500
Flift N
3
For horizontal direction to start sliding

11
 F cos 37 sN
F cos 37 > 0.5 [ 10g F sin 37] ( N = 10 g F sin 37)

50
Hence Fslide >
cos 37 0.5 sin 37

500
Fslide > N
11

500
Flift > N.
3
Fslide < Flift
Therefore the block will begin to slide before lifting.

TWO BLOCK PROBLEMS

Example 26.
Find the acceleration of the two blocks. The system is initially at rest and the friction coefficent are as shown
in the figure?

=0.5 10 A F = 50 N
Smooth
10 B
//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Solution :
Method of solving
Step 1 : Make force diagram.
Step 2 : Show static friction force by f because value of friction is not known.
Step 3 : Calculate separately for two cases.
Case 1 : Move together
Step 4 : Calculate acceleration.
Step 5 : Check value of friction for above case.
Step 6 : If required firction is less than available it
means they will move together else
move separately.
Step 7(a) above acceleration will be common
acceleration for both
Case 2 : Move separately
Step 7(b) If they move separately then kinetic friction is involved. whose value is N.
Step 8 : Calculate acceleration for above case.
f
A 50
B
f
f max = N
f 50 N (available friction)

Move together Move separately

50
(i) a= = 2.5 m/s2 No need to calculate
10 10

12
 (ii) Check friction for B :
f = 10 2.5 = 25
25 N is required which is less than available friciton
hence they will move together.
and aA = aB = 2.5 m/s2

Example 27.
Find the acceleration of the two blocks. The system is initially at rest and the friction coefficent are as shown
in the figure?

=0.5 10 A 101 N
smooth
10 B
//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Solution : f max = 50 N
f 50 N
f
A 101 B
f

101
(i) If they move together a= = 5.05 m/s2
20
(ii) Check friction on B
f
10 f = 10 5.05 = 50.5 (required)

50.5 > 50 (therefore required > available)

Hence they will not move together.
(iii) Hence they move separately so kinetic friction is involved. 101
A
fk=50
fk = N=50
B

101 50 50
f or aA = = 5.1 m/s2 aB = = 5 m/s2
10 10
Also aA > aB as force is applied on A.

Example 28.
Find the acceleration of the two blocks. The system is initially at rest and the friction coefficent are as shown
in the figure?

=0.5 F = 60 N
10
Smooth
20
///////////////////////////////////////////

Move Together Move Seperately

60
a= = 2 m/s2 No need to calculate.
30
Check friction on 20 kg.
f = 20 x 2
f = 40 (which is required)

13
 40 < 50 (therefore required < available)
will move together.

Example 29.
In above example find maximum F for which two blocks will move together.
Soution :
Observing the critical situation where friction becomes limiting.
fmax = 50
10 F
20
fmax = 50

F f max = 10 a . ........ (1)

f max = 20 a .......... (2)
F = 75 N
Example 30.
Initially the system is at rest. find out minimum value of F for which sliding starts between the two blocks.

=0.5
10
Smooth
20 F
////////////////////////////////////

Solution :
At just sliding condition limiting friction is acting.
f = 50
10 20 F
f = 50
F 50 = 20 a . ...... (1)
f = 10 a . ................. (2)
50 = 10 a
a = 5 m/s2
hence F = 50 + 20 5 = 150 N
Fmin = 150 N

Example 31.
In the figure given below force F applied horizontally on lower block, is gradually increased from zero. Dis-
cuss the direction and nature of friction force and the accelerations of the block for different values of F
(Take g = 10 m/s2).

Solution :
In the above situation we see that the maximum possible value of friction between the blocks is smAg = 0.3
10 10 = 30 N.

Case (i) When F = O.

Considering that there is no slipping between the blocks the acceleration of system will be

120
a= = 4 m/s2
20 10
But the maximum acceleration of B can be obtained by the following force diagram.

14
 30
aB = = 1.5 m/s2 ( only friction force by block A is responsible for producing acceleration in block B)
20
Because 4 > 1.5 m/s2 we can conclude that the blocks do not move together.
Now drawing the F.B.D. of each block, for finding out individual accelerations.

120 30
aA = = 9 m/s2 towards right
10

30
aB = = 1.5 m/s2 towards right.
20
Case (ii) F is increased from zero till the two blocks just start moving together.
As the two blocks move together the friction is static in nature and its value is limiting. FBD in this case will be

120 30 F 30 F 30
aA = = 9 m/s2 aB = =aA = 9
10 20 20
F = 150 N
Hence when 0 < F < 150 N the blocks do not move together and the friction is kinetic. As F increases
acceleration of block B increases from 1.5 m/s2.
At F = 150 N limiting static friction start acting and the two blocks start moving together.
Case (iii) When F is increased above 150 N.
In this scenario the static friction adjusts itself so as to keep the blocks moving together. The value of static
friction starts reducing but the direction still remains same. This happens continuously till the value of friction
becomes zero. In this case the FBD is as follows

120 f Ff
aA = aB = =
10 20
when friction force f gets reduced to zero the above accelerations become

120 F
aA = = 12 m/s2 aB = = aA = 12 m/s2
10 20
F = 240 N
Hence when 150 F 240 N the static friction force continuously decreases from maximum to zero at F =
240 N. The accelerations of the blocks increase from 9 m/s2 to 12 m/s2 during the change of force F.
Case (iv) When F is increased again from 240 N the direction of friction force on the block reverses but it is still static.
F can be increased till this reversed static friction reaches its limiting value. FBD at this juncture will be

The blocks move together therefore.

120 30 F 30
aA = = 15 m/s2 aB = = aA = 15 m/s2
10 20

F 30
= 15 m/s2
20
Hence F = 330 N.
15
 PART - I : SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
SECTION (A) : KINETIC FRICTION
A-1. Find the direction of friction forces on each block and the ground (Assume all surfaces are rough and all
velocities are with respect to ground).

A-2. The wheel shown is fixed at O and is in contact with a rough surface as shown . The wheel rotates with an
angular velocity . What is the direction and nature of friction force on the wheel and on the ground.

A-3. In the following figure, find the direction of friction on the blocks and ground .

A-4. In the following figure, find the direction and nature of friction on the block.

A-5. A block is shot with an initial velocity 5ms1 on a rough horizontal plane. Find the distance covered by the
block till it comes to rest. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and plane is 0.1.

SECTION (B) : STATIC FRICTION

B-1. The person applies F force on the smaller block as shown in figure. The coefficient of static
friction is between the blocks and the surface. Find the force exerted by the vertical wall
on mass M . What is the value of action-reaction forces between m and M?

B-2. The angle between the resultant contact force and the normal force exerted by a body on the other is called
the angle of friction. Show that, if be the angle of friction and the coefficient of static friction, tan1

B-3. A monkey of mass m is climbing a rope hanging from the roof with acceleration a. The
coefficient of static friction between the body of the monkey and the rope is . Find the
direction and value of friction force on the monkey.

16
B-4. In the figure shown calculate the angle of friction. The block does not slide. Take g = 10 m/s2.

SECTION (C) : MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

C-1. A block of mass 2.5 kg is kept on a rough horizontal surface . It is found that the block does not slide if a
horizontal force less than 15 N is applied to it. Also it is found that it takes 5 seconds to slide throughout the
first 10 m if a horizontal force of 15 N is applied and the block is gently pushed to start the motion.
Taking g= 10 m/s2, calculate the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the block and the surface.

C-2. Find the accelerations and the friction forces involved :

=0 5kg A F=15N =0.5 5kg A 30N
(a) =0.5 10kg B (b) =0.5 10kg B

=0.5 5kg A =0.5 5kg A

(c) =0.5 10kg B 200N (d) =0.5 10kg B 90N

PART - II : OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

* Marks questions are MCQ
SECTION (A) : KINETIC FRICTION
A 1. Starting from rest a body slides down a 45 inclined plane in twice the time it takes to slide down the
same distance in the absence of friction. The co-efficient of friction between the body and the inclined
plane is :
(A) 0.75 (B) 0.33 (C) 0.25 (D) 0.80
A 2. A wooden block of mass m resting on a rough horizontal table (coefficient of
friction = ) is pulled by a force F as shown in figure. The acceleration of the
block moving horizontally is :

Fcos Fsin F
(A) (B) (C) (cos + sin ) g (D) none
m M m
A 3. A block of mass M = 5 kg is resting on a rough horizontal surface for which the
coefficient of friction is 0.2. When a force F = 40 N is applied, the acceleration of
the block will be (g = 10 m/s2) :
(A) 5.73 m/sec2 (B) 8.0 m/sec2 (C) 3.17 m/sec2 (D) 10.0 m/sec2

A 4. Two blocks m1 = 4kg and m2 = 2kg, connected by a weightless rod on a plane having
inclination of 370. The coefficients of dynamic friction of m1 and m2 with the inclined
plane are = 0.25. Then the common acceleration of the two blocks and the tension in
the rod are :

(A) 4 m/s2, T = 0 (B) 2 m/s2, T = 5 N

(C) 10 m/s2 ,T = 10 N (D) 15 m/s2, T = 9N [JEE 1979]

SECTION (B) : STATIC FRICTION

B1. If the normal force is doubled, the co-efficient of friction is :
(A) halved (B) doubled (C) tripled (D) not changed
17
B2. A box 'A' is lying on the horizontal floor of the compartment of a train running along horizontal rails from
left to right. At time 't', it decelerates. Then the reaction R by the floor on the box is given best by :

(A) (B) (C) (D)

B3. A cart of mass M has a block of mass m attached to it as shown in the figure.
Co-efficient of friction between the block and cart is . What is the minimum
acceleration of the cart so that the block m does not fall?

(A) g (B) /g (C) g/ (D) none

B4. A rope so lies on a table that part of it lays over. The rope begins to slide when the length of hanging
part is 25 % of entire length. The co-efficient of friction between rope and table is :
(A) 0.33 (B) 0.25 (C) 0.5 (D) 0.2

B 5. A block of mass 1 kg lies on a horizontal surface in a truck. The coefficient of static friction between the block
and the surface is 0.6 If the acceleration of the truck is 5 m/s2, the frictional force acting on the block is :
[JEE 1984]
(A) 5 N (B) 6 N (C) 10 N (D) 15 N

B 6.* The contact force exerted by one body on another body is equal to the normal force between the bodies. It
can be said that :
(A) the surface must be frictionless
(B) the force of friction between the bodies is zero
(C) the magnitude of normal force equals that of friction
(D) It is possible that the bodies are rough and they do not slip on each other.
B 7. A block of mass 2 kg rests on a rough inclined plane making an angle of 300 with the horizontal. The
coefficient of static friction between the block and the plane is 0.7. The frictional force on the block is :
(A) 9.8 N (B) 0.7 9.8 3N (C) 9.8 7 N (D) 0.8 9.8 N [IIT 1980]
B8. Two masses A and B of 10 kg and 5 kg respectively are connected
with a string passing over a frictionless pulley fixed at the corner
of a table as shown. The coefficient of static friction of A with table
is 0.2. The minimum mass of C that may be placed on A to prevent
it from moving is

(A) 15 kg (B) 10 kg (C) 5 kg (D) 12 kg

B 9*. The force F1 that is necessary to move a body up an inclined plane is double the force F2 that is
necessary to just prevent it from sliding down, then :
(A) F2 = w sin( ) sec (B) F1 = w sin( ) sec
(C) tan = 3tan (D) tan = 3tan
Where = Limiting angle of friction
= angle of inclined plane
w = weight of the body

SECTION (C) : MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

C 1. A block of mass 5 kg and surface area 2 m 2 just begins to slide down an inclined plane when the angle
of inclination is 30. Keeping mass same, the surface area of the block is doubled. The angle at which
this starts sliding down is :
(A) 30 (B) 60 (C) 15 (D) none

C 2. A 60 kg body is pushed horizontally with just enough force to start it moving across a floor and the same
force continues to act afterwards. The coefficient of static friction and sliding friction are 0.5 and 0.4 respec-
tively. The acceleration of the body is :
(A) 6 m/s2
(B) 4.9 m/s2 (C) 3.92 m/s2 (D) 1 m/s2
18
C 3. A force F = t is applied to block A as shown in figure. The force is applied at t = 0 seconds when the
system was at rest and string is just straight without tension. Which of the following graphs gives the
friction force between B and horizontal surface as a function of time t.

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

C 4. A plank of mass m 1 = 8 kg with a bar of mass m 2 = 2 kg placed on its rough surface, lie
on a smooth floor of elevator ascending with an acceleration g/4. The coefficient of
friction is = 1/5 between m 1 and m 2 . A horizontal force F = 30 N is applied to the
plank. Then the acceleration of bar and the plank in the reference frame of elevator are :
50 25
(A) 3.5 m/s2, 5 m/s2 (B) 5 m/s2, m/s2 (C) 2.5 m/s2, m/s2 (D)4.5 m/s2, 4.5m/s2
8 8
C 5. A boy of mass M is applying a horizontal force to slide a box of mass M on a rough horizontal surface. It is
known that the boy does not slide . The coefficient of friction between the shoes of the boy and the floor is
and between the box and the surface. In which of the following cases it is certainly not possible to slide the
box ?
(A) < , M < M (B) > , M < M
(C) < , M > M (D) > , M > M

PART - I : SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. The rear side of a truck is open and a box of 40 kg mass is placed 5 m
away from the open end as shown in figure. The coefficient of friction
between the box and the surface below it is 0.15. On a straight road,
the truck starts from rest and accelerates with 2 ms2. At what distance
from the starting point of the truck does the box fall off the truck?
(Ignore the size of the box).
2. In the figure shown below the friction between the 4 kg block and the incline as m
=4
1 and between 8 kg and incline is 2. Calculate the accelerations of the 1
1
kg
m
2 =8
blocks when (a) 1 = 0.2 and 2 = 0.3 (b) 1 = 0.3 and 2 = 0.2. 2
kg
(take g = 10 m/s2)
30 (

3. In figure block 1 is one fourth the length l of block 2 of mass also one
fourth. No friction exist between block 2 and surface on which it rests.
Coefficient of friction is k between 1 & 2. Find the distance block 2
moves when only half of block 1 is still on block 2. Block 1 and block 3
have same mass.

19
4. In the given situation it is known that when released the blocks slide. Find the
accelerations of the two blocks. Also find the time when the small block will fall off
from the larger block.

5. A bead of mass m is fitted onto a rod with a length of 2, and can move on it with
friction having the coefficient of friction . At the initial moment the bead is in the
middle of the rod. The rod moves translationally in a horizontal plane with an
acceleration a in the direction forming an angle with the rod. Find the time when
the bead will leave the rod : (Neglect the weight of the bead).

6. MA = 3 kg, MB = 4 kg and MC = 8 kg. between any two surface is 0.25. Pulley is frictionless
and string is massless. A is connected to the wall through a massless rigid rod.(g=10m/s2)

(a) find the value of F to keep C moving with constant speed

(b) if F is 200 N then find acceleration of B

7. What is the minimum value of force required to pull a block of mass M on a horizontal surface having
coefficient of friction ? Also find the angle this force makes with the horizontal.
8. In the figure shown, the coefficient of static friction between C and ground is 0.5, coefficient
of static friction between A and B is 0.25, coefficient of static friction between B and C is
zero. Find the minimum value of force F, to cause sliding between A and B. Masses of
A, B and C are respectively 2 kg, 4 kg and 5 kg.

9. In the figure shown, the coefficient of static friction between B and the wall
is 2/3 and the coefficient of kinetic friction between B and the wall is 1/3.
Other contacts are smooth. Find the minimum force F required to lift B,
up. Now if the force applied on A is slightly increased than the calculated
value of minimum force, then find the acceleration of B. Mass of A is 2m
and the mass of B is m. Take tan = 3/4.

10. A plank of mass m1 with a bar of mass m2 placed on it lies on a smooth horizontal plane. A horizontal force
growing with time t as F = kt (k is constant) is applied to the bar. Find how the accelerations of the plank a1
and of the bar a2 depend on t, if the coefficient of friction between the plank and the bar is equal to . Draw
the approximate plots of these dependences.

11. A block of mass 2 kg is pushed against a rough vertical wall with a force of 40 N, coefficient of static friction
being 0.5. Another horizontal force of 15 N is applied on the block in a direction parallel to the wall. Will the
block move ? If yes , in which direction & what is the acceleration ? If no, find the frictional force exerted by
the wall on the block.

PART - II : OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. A body is projected up a rough inclined plane from the bottom with some velocity . It travels up the incline
and then returns back. If the time of ascent is ta and time of descent is td, then
(A) ta = td (B) ta > td (C) ta < td (D) data insufficient
2. A block on a long table is attached by massless ropes to two hanging blocks as in figure. Initially block
C is moving downwards with non zero velocity. The static and kinetic
friction between block B & table is 0.3 & 0.1 respectively.
(A) acceleration of block C is approx. 0.4 m/s2 downwards
(B) acceleration of block C is approx. 0.4 m/s2 upwards
(C) block C comes to rest after some time
(D) acceleration of block C is zero.

20
3. A chain of length L is placed on a horizontal surface as shown in figure. At any instant x is the length of chain
on rough surface and the remaining portion lies on smooth surface. Initially x = 0. A horizontal force P is
applied to the chain (as shown in figure ). In the duration x changes from x = 0 to x = L, for chain to move with
constant speed.

(A) the magnitude of P should increase with time

(B) the magnitude of P should decrease with time
(C) the magnitude of P should increase first and then decrease with time
(D) the magnitude of P should decrease first and then increase with time

4. The upper portion of an inclined plane of inclination is smooth and the lower portion is rough. A
particle slides down from rest from the top and just comes to rest at the foot. If the ratio of the smooth
length to rough length is m : n, the coefficient of friction is :
m n mn mn 1
(A) tan (B) cot (C) n cot (D)
n n 2


5.* Two masses m1 = 4 kg and m2 = 2kg are connected with an inextensible, massless
string that passes over a frictionless pulley and through a slit, as shown. The string is
vertical on both sides and the string on the left is acted upon by a constant friction force
10 N by the slit as it moves. (use g = 10 m/s2)
SLIT
5
(A) Acceleration of mass m1 is m/s2, downwards.
3
(B) Tension in the string is same throughout.
70 m1 4kg 2kg m2
(C) Force exerted by the string on mass m2 is N.
3
10
(D) If position of both the masses are interchanged, then 2kg mass moves up with an acceleration m/s2.
3
6_ A small mass slides down an inclined plane of inclination with the horizontal. The co-efficient of
friction is = 0 x where x is the distance through which the mass slides down and 0, a constant. Then
the speed is maximum after the mass covers a distance of
i
cos sin tan 2 tan
(A) (B) (C) (D)
0 0 0 0

7_ A 1.5 kg box iis initially at rest on a horizontal surface when at t = 0 a horizontal force F (1.8t )N (with t in
seconds), is applied to the box. The acceleration of the box as a function of time t is given by :

a0 for 0 t 2.85

a (1.2t 2.4) m/s2 for t > 2.85
The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the surface is :
(A) 0.12 (B) 0.24 (C) 0.36 (D) 0.48
8. Starting from rest. A flat car is given a constant acceleration a o = 2 m/s2. A
cable is connected to a crate A of mass 50 kg as shown. Neglect the friction
between floor and car wheels and mass of pulley. Calculate corresponding
tension in the cable. The cofficient of friction between crate & floor of the car
is = 0.3. The tension in cable is -
(A) 700 N (B) 350 N (C) 175 N (D) 0

9. A block lying on a long horizontal conveyor belt moving at a constant velocity receives a velocity 5 m/
s relative to the ground in the direction opposite to the direction of motion of the conveyor. After t = 4
sec, the velocity of the block becomes equal to the velocity of the belt. The coefficient of friction
between the block and the belt is 0.2. Then the velocity of the conveyor belt is :
(A) 13 m/s (B) 13 m/s (C) 3 m/s (D) 6 m/s

21
10. In the arrangement shown in the figure mass of the block B and A are 2 m, , 8 m
respectively. Surface between B and floor is smooth. The block B is connected
to block C by means of a pulley. If the whole system is released then the
minimum value of mass of the block C so that the block A remains stationary
with respect to B is : (Co-efficient of friction between A and B is and pulley is
ideal)
m 2m 10 m 10m
(A) (B) (C) (D)
1 1 1

11. A block of mass m lying on a rough horizontal plane is acted upon by a horizontal
force P and another force Q inclined an at an angle to the vertical. The
minimum value of coefficient of friction between the block and the surface for
which the block will remain in equilibrium is :

P Q sin P cos Q P Q cos P sin Q

(A) (B) (C) (D)
mg Q cos mg Q sin mg Q sin mg Q cos
12. () In the arrangement shown tension in the string connecting 4kg and 6kg masses is

(A) 8N (B) 12N (C) 6N (D) 4N

() Friction force on 4 kg block is -
(A) 4N (B) 6 N (C) 12 N (D) 8 N
() Friction force on 6 kg block is -
(A) 12 N (B) 8 N (C) 6 N (D) 4 N
13. A block of mass 15 kg is resting on a rough inclined plane as shown in figure. The block is tied up by
a horizontal string which has a tension of 50 N. The coefficient of friction between the surfaces of
contact is ( g = 10 m/s2 )

(A) 1/2 (B) 2/3 (C) 3/4 (D) 1/4

14. Two blocks of masses m 1 and m 2 are connected with a massless unstretched
spring and placed over a plank moving with an acceleration a as shown in
figure. The coefficient of friction between the blocks and platform is .

(A) spring will be stretched if a > g

(B) spring will be compressed if a g
(C) spring will neither be compressed nor be stretched for a g
(D) spring will be in its natural length under all conditions only initial velocity of blocks & plateform is zero
15. Car is accelerating with acceleration = 20 m/s2. A box that is placed inside the
car, of mass m = 10 kg is put in contact with the vertical wall of car as shown.
The friction coefficient between the box and the wall is = 0.6.
(A) The acceleration of the box will be 20 m/sec 2
(B) The friction force acting on the box will be 100 N
(C) The contact force between the vertical wall and the box will be 100 5 N
(D) The net contact force between the vertical wall and the box is only of electromagnetic in nature.
16.* The value(s) of mass m for which the 100 kg block remains in static equilibrium is

(A) 35 kg (B) 37 kg

(C) 83 kg (D) 85 kg
22
17. The coefficient of friction between 4kg and 5 kg blocks is 0.2 and between 5 kg
block and ground is 0.1 respectively. Choose the correct statements

(A) Minimum force needed to cause system to move is 17 N

(B) When force is 4N static friction at all surfaces is 4N to keep system at rest
(C) Maximum acceleration of 4kg block is 2m/s2
(D) Slipping between 4kg and 5 kg blocks start when F is > 17N

18. A worker wishes to pile a cone of sand into a circular area in his yard. The radius of the circle is r, and no
sand is to spill onto the surrounding area. If is the static coefficient of friction between each layer of
sand along the slope and the sand, the greatest volume of sand that can be stored in this manner is :
1
(A) r3 (B) r3 (C) 2 r2 (D) 2 r
3
19. A fixed wedge with both surface inclined at 450 to the horizontal as shown in the figure. A particle P of
mass m is held on the smooth plane by a light string which passes over a smooth pulley A and
attached to a particle Q of mass 3m which rests on the rough plane. The system is released from rest.
g
Given that the acceleration of each particle is of magnitude then -
5 2

(a) the tension in the string is :

6 mg mg mg
(A) mg (B) (C) (D)
5 2 2 4
(b) In the above question the coefficient of friction between Q and the rough plane is :
4 1 3 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 5 5 5
(c) In the above question the magnitude and direction of the force exerted by the string on the pulley is :
6 mg 6 mg
(A) downward (B) upward
5 5
mg mg
(C) downward (D) downward
5 4

23
 PART - I : MATCH THE COLUMN
1. Find the accelerations of blocks A and B for the following cases

(a) 1 = 0 and 2 = 0.1 (P) aA = aB = 9.5 m/s2

(b) 2 = 0 and 1 = 0.1 (Q) aA = 9 m/s2 , aB = 10 m/s2
(c) 1 = 0.1 and 2 = 1.0 (R) aA = aB = g = 10 m/s2
(d) 1 = 1.0 and 2 = 0.1 (S) aA = 1, aB = 9 m/s2

2. Column II gives certain situations involving two blocks of mass 2 kg and 4 kg. The 4 kg block lies on a
smooth horizontal table. There is sufficient friction between both the block and there is no relative motion
between both the blocks in all situations. Horizontal forces act on one or both blocks as shown. Column I
gives certain statement related to figures given in column II. Match the statements in column I with the figure
in column II and indicate your answer by darkening appropriate bubbles in the 4 4 matrix given in OMR.
Column I Column II

2kg
(A) Magnitude of frictional force is maximum. (p) 4kg 12N

2kg 12N
(B) Magnitude of friction force is least. (q) 4kg

2kg 6N
(C) Friction force on 2 kg block is towards right. (r) 4kg 6N

8N 2kg
(D) Friction force on 2 kg block is towards left. (s) 4kg 20N

PART - II : COMPREHENSION
Comprehension # 1
A block of mass 15 kg is placed over a frictionless
horizontal surface. Another block of mass 10 kg is placed
over it, that is connected with a light string passing over
10 kg
two pulleys fastened to the 15 kg block. A force F = 80 N
is applied horizontally to the free end of the string. Friction = 0.6
coefficient between two blocks is 0.6. The portion of the
string between 10 kg block and the upper pulley is 15 kg
horizontal. Pulley, string & connecting rods are massless. F = 80 N
(Take g = 10 m/s2)
Smooth
3. The magnitude of acceleration of the 10 kg block is :-
(A) 3.2 m/s2 (B) 2.0 m/s2 (C) 1.6 m/s2 (D) 0.8 m/s2
4. The magnitude of acceleration of the 15 kg block is :-
(A) 4.2 m/s2 (B) 3.2 m/s2 (C) 16/3 m/s2 (D) 2.0 m/s2
24
5. If applied force F = 120 N, then magnitude of acceleration of 15 kg block will be :
(A) 8 m/s2 (B) 4 m/s2 (C) 3.2 m/s2 (D) 4.8 m/s2
6. Continuing with the situation, if the force F = 80 N is
directed vertically as shown, the acceleration of the 10kg 10 kg

block will be : = 0.6

F = 80 N
(A) 2 m/s2, towards right
(B) 2 m/s2, towards left 15 kg
(C) 6 m/s2, towards left
(D) 16/5 m/s2, towards right Smooth

7. In the situation of the previous question, acceleration of the 15 kg block will be :

(A) 4 m/s2, towards right (B) 16/5 m/s2, towards right
(C) 2/3 m/s2, towards right (D) 4/3 m/s2, towards left

Comprehension # 2
Impending state of motion is a critical border line between static and dynamic
states of a body. A block of mass m is supported on a rough vertical wall by
applying a force F as shown in figure. Coefficient of static friction between
block and wall is S. The block under the influence of F sin may have a tendency
to move upward or it may be assumed that F sin just prevents downward fall of
the block. Read the above passage carefully and answer the following questions.
8. The minimum value of force F required to keep the block stationary is :
mg mg mg mg
(A) cos (B) sin cos (C) sin cos (D) tan

9. The value of F for which friction force between the block and the wall is zero.
mg mg mg
(A) mg (B) (C) (D)
sin cos tan
10. If F is the force applied on the block as shown and F min is the minimum value of force required to keep
the block stationary. Then choose the correct alternative.
(A) If F < F min ; the block slides downward (B) If F = F min ; the block slides upward
(C) In each case the friction force f < mg (D) All the above

PART - III : ASSERTION / REASON

11. STATEMENT-1 : While drawing a line on a paper, friction force acts on paper in the same direction along
which line is drawn on the paper.
STATEMENT-2 : Friction always opposes motion.
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1
i is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True
12. STATEMENT-1 : A body is lying at rest on a rough horizontal surface. A person accelerating with
acceleration a (where a is positive constant and i is a unit vector in horizontal direction) observes the
body. With respect to him, the block experiences a kinetic friction.
STATEMENT-2 : Whenever there is relative motion between the contact surfaces then kinetic friction
acts.
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True ; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True ; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True

25
 PART - IV : TRUE / FALSE
13. A block B of mass 10 kg is placed on smooth horizontal surface over it another
block. A of same mass is placed. A horizontal force F is applied on block B.
(i) No block will move unless F > 10 N.
(ii) Block A will move towards left.
(iii) Acceleration of block B will never be less than that of A.
(iv) The relative motion between A and B will start when F exceeds 10 N.

PART - V : FILL IN THE BLANKS

14. i i
(i) A block can
i move over a rough horizontal x-y plane. At the moment when the block is moving

with a negligible velocity along the positive x-axis, three forces F1 = (2 3 j ) N, F2 = ( 4 j) N

and F3 = (3 when
the moment 5 j) Nthe
start acting
forces on theacting
started . . . direction
block.isThe . . . ...... (Mention
of the friction force on
the answer in the
termsblock
of, atj

i )
(ii) A block of mass 1 kg lies on a horizontal surface in a truck. The coefficient of static friction between
the block and the surface is 0.6. If the acceleration of the truck is 5 m/s2, the frictional force acting
on the block is . . ............ newtons. (1984, 2M)

(iii) A block of 7 kg is placed on a rough horizontal surface and is

pulled through a variable force F(in N) = 5t, where t is time in
second, at an angle of 37 with the horizontal as shown in figure.
The coefficient of static friction of the block with the surface is
one. If the force starts acting at t = 0 s, Find the time at which the
block starts to slide . ............. (Take g = 10 m/s2) :

JEE PROBLEMS (LAST 10 YEARS)

1. A block of mass 0.1kg is held against a wall by applying a horizontal force of 5 N on the block. If the
coefficient of friction between the block and the wall is 0.5, the magnitude of the friction force acting on the
block is : [JEE 1997, 3/100]
(A) 2.5 N (B) 0.98 N (C) 4.9 N (D) 0.49 N
2. Block A of mass m and block B of mass 2 m are placed on a fixed triangular
wedge by means of a massless inextensible string and a frictionless pulley as
shown in figure. The wedge is inclined at 45 to the horizontal on both sides.
The coefficient of friction between block A and the wedge is 2/3 and that A Fixed B
between block B and the wedge is 1/3. If the system of A and B is released 45 45
from rest, find [JEE 1997,5/100] //////////////////////////////////////////////////////

(i) the acceleration of A

(ii) tension in the string
(iii) the magnitude and the direction of friction acting on A.
3. In the figure masses m 1, m 2 and M are 20 kg, 5 kg and 50 kg
respectively . The coefficient of friction between M & ground is zero.
The coefficient of friction between m 1 & M and that between m 2 &
ground is 0.3 . The pulleys & the string are massless . The string is
perfectly horizontal between P 1 & m 1 and also between P 2 & m 2 .
The string is perfectly vertical between P 1 & P 2 . An external
horizontal force F is applied to the mass M. [ Take g = 10 m/
s2 ]
[JEE 2000, 2+8/100]
(a) Draw a freebody diagram for mass M, clearly showing all the forces.
26
(b) Let the magnitude of the force of friction between m1 and M be f1 and that between m2 and ground be
f 2. For a particular F it is found that f 1 = 2 f 2. Find f 1 and f 2. Write down equations of motion of all the
masses. Find F, tension in the string and accelerations of the masses.
 4. What is the maximum value of the force F such that the block shown F
1
in the arrangement, does not move : [IITJEE (Scr.) 2003]
60 2 3
(A) 20 N (B) 10 N
m 3 kg
(C) 12 N (D) 15 N
///////////////////////////////////
5. Two blocks A and B of equal masses are sliding down along straight parallel
A 2m
lines on an inclined plane of 45. Their coefficients of kinetic friction are A
= 0.2 and B = 0.3 respectively. At t = 0, both the blocks are at rest and B

2 meter block A is
behind block B. The time and distance from the initial A position where
the front faces of the blocks come in line on the inclined Fixed
plane as shown in figure. (Use g = 10 ms2.) [JEE 2004, 3/60] 45

(A) 2s, 8 2 m (B) 2 s, 7m (C) 2 s, 7 2 m (D) 2s, 7/ 2 m

6. A disc is kept on a smooth horizontal plane with its plane parallel to
horizontal plane. A groove is made in the disc as shown in the figure.
The coefficient of friction between a mass m inside the groove and the
ao = 25 m/s2
surface of the groove is 2/5 and sin = 3/5. Find the acceleration of
mass with respect to the frame of reference of the disc. [JEE
7. 2006, 6/184]
STATEMENT -1
It is easier to pull a heavy object than to push it on a level ground. [JEE 2008, 3/163]
and
STATEMENT -2
The magnitude of frictional force depends on the nature of the two surfaces in contact.
(A) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT -2 is a correct explanation
for STATEMENT -1
(B) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT -2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT -1
(C) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(D) STATEMENT -1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True.

Exercise # 1 A-4. Up the incline, kinetic friction.

PART - I 25
A-5. V 2 Vi2 = 2as = 12.5 m
SECTION (A) f 2 1

A-1. SECTION (B)

B-1. N=0 for F (M+m)g

N= F (M+m)g for F > (M+m)g
action-reaction forces between m and M is
F mg for F > mg and 0 for F < mg
B-3. Upwards, f = m(g+a)

1
B-4. = tan1
2
A-2. [ kqjnj hl r g
R fk
fk t ehu SECTION (C)

Kinetic friction is involved. C-1. s = 0.60, k = 0.52

C-2. (a) aA = 3 m/s2 , aB = 0 , f A = 0 , f B = 0
(b) aA = 1 m/s2 , aB = 0 , f A = 25N , f B = 25N
27 A-3. (c) aA = 5 m/s2 ; aB = 10 m/s2 ; f A = 25N ; fB = 75N
(d) aA = 1m/s2 ; aB = 1m/s2 ; fA = 5N ; f B = 75N
27
 7. (B) 8. (B)
PART - II 9. (C) 10. (D)
SECTION (A) 11. (A) 12. (I) (A) (II) (D) (III) (B)
13. (A) 14. (D)
A 1. (A) A 2. (C) A 3. (A)
15. (A),(B),(C),(D) 16. (B), (C)
A 4. (A) 17. (C) 18. (B)
19. (a) (B) (b) (D) (c) (A)
SECTION (B)
B1. (D) B2. (C) B3. (C)
B4. (A) B 5. (A) B 6. (B), (D) Exercise # 3
B7 (A) B8 (A) B 9. (A), (D)
PART - I
SECTION (C)
1. (a) R, (b) Q, (c) P , (d) S
C 1. (A) C 2. (D) C 3. (A) 2. (A) s (B) r (C) p, s (D) q, r
C 4. (C) C 5. (A)
PART - II
Exercise # 2 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (B)
6. (A) 7. (D) 8. (B)
PART - I 9. (B) 10. (A)
1. 20 m

2. (a) 2.4 m/s2 both ; (b) 3.2 m/s2 , 2.4 m/s2

PART - III
11. (C) 12. (D)
7 k
3. x 2 = 8(2 3 )
k PART - IV
13. (i) False (ii) False
4. am = g sin g cos ; (iii) True (iv) False
2

Mg sin mg cos (M m)g cos 4M PART - V
aM 2 ; t
g cos (M m)
M 14. (i) i (ii) 5N
2 (iii) 10 sec (iv) zero.
5. a (cos sin )

6. (a) 80 N, (b )10 m/s2 ,

Exercise # 4
Mg
7. , tan1 .
1 2 PART - I
8. Fmin = 15 N 1. (B)
3 3g 2 2 mg
9. (i) Fmin = mg (ii) b = 2. (i) zero (ii) mg (iii) , downwards
2 22 3 3 2
10. When t t0, the accelerations
2
a1 = a2 = kt / (m1 + m2) ; when t t0 3. F = 60 N, T = 18 N, a m1 am2 aM 0.6 m / s
a1 = gm2 / m1, a2 = (at m2g) / m2.
a T N1
f
a2
T

a1
Here t0 =gm2 (m1 + m2) / km. T
O t0 t
T

11. It will move at an angle of 53 with the 15N force Mg

NG
and with acceleration 5/2 m/s2 .
4. (A) 5. (A)
PART - II 6. 10 m/s 2
7. (B)
1. (C) 2. (C) 3. (A)
4. (A) 5. (A), (C) 6. (C)
28
 PART - I : OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. In the shown arrangement if f 1, f 2 and T be the frictional forces on 2 kg block, 3kg block & tension in the
string respectively, then their values are :

(A) 2 N, 6 N, 3.2 N (B) 2 N, 6 N, 0 N

(C) 1 N, 6 N, 2 N (D) data insufficient to calculate the required values.
2. A block of mass 2 kg is given a push horizontally and then the block starts
sliding over a horizontal plane. The figure shows the velocity-time graph of the
motion. The co-efficient of sliding friction between the plane and the block is:
(Take g = 10 m/s2)

(A) 0.02 (B) 0.20 (C) 0.04 (D) 0.40

3. The two blocks, m = 10 kg and M = 50 kg are free to move as shown. The coefficient of static friction between
the blocks is .5 and there is no friction between M and the ground. A minimum horizontal force F is applied
to hold m against M that is equal to :

(A) 100 N (B) 50 N (C) 240 N (D) 180 N

4. Given mA = 30 kg, mB = 10 kg, mC = 20 kg. Between A and B 1 = 0.3, between B
and C 2 = 0.2 and between C and ground 3 = 0.1. The least horizontal force F to
start the motion of any part of the system of three blocks resting upon one another
as shown in figure is (g = 10 m/s2)

(A) 60 N (B) 90 N (C) 80 N (D) 150 N

5. Two blocks with masses m 1 and m 2 of 10 kg and 20 kg respectively are placed as in fig. s = 0.2
between all surfaces, then tension in string and acceleration of m 2 block will be :

(A) 250 N, 3 m/s2 (B) 200 N, 6 m/s2 (C) 306 N, 4.7 m/s2 (D) 400 N, 6.5 m/s2

6.* A block A (5 kg) rests over another block B (3 kg) placed over a smooth horizontal surface. There is
friction between A and B. A horizontal force F 1 gradually increasing from zero to a maximum is applied
to A so that the blocks move together without relative motion. Instead of this another horizontal force
F 2, gradually increasing from zero to a maximum is applied to B so that the blocks move together
without relative motion. Then -

(A) F 1 (max) = F 2 (max) (B) F 1 (max) > F 2 (max)

(C) F 1 (max) < F 2 (max) (D) F 1 (max): F 2 (max) = 5: 3
29
7.* A block of mass 1 kg is stationary with respect to a conveyer belt that is
accelerating with 1 m/s2 upwards at an angle of 30 as shown in figure.
Which of the following is/are correct?
(A) Force of friction on block is 6 N upwards.
(B) Force of friction on block is 1.5 N upwards.

(C) Contact force between the block & belt is 10.5 N.

(D) Contact force between the block & belt is 5 3 N.

8. Two identical blocks of same masses are placed on a fixed wedge as shown in
figure. Coefficient of friction between all the contact surfaces is . Choose the
correct alternative

(A) For motion at any surface, tan1 ().

(B) Acceleration of block A will be more than acceleration of block B in downward direction.
(C) Acceleration of block A will be less than acceleration of block B in down ward direction.
(D) Two blocks A and B moves with same acceleration.

PART - II : SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. In the situation shown in figure for what value of force F (in Newton), sliding between middle and lower
block will start ? (Take g = 10 m/s2)

2. In the situation shown find the accelerations of the blocks. Also find the accelerations if the force is shifted
from the upper block to the lower block.

3. From the figure shown, find out acceleration of 3 kg block.

(A) 7 m/s2 (B) 10 m/s2

(C) 10/3 m/s2 (D) zero

4. In the above question if the external force is applied on 3 kg block, then acceleration of the 3 kg block
will be :
(A) 40/3 m/s2 (B) 25/3 m/s2 (C) 35/3 m/s2 (D) none of these
5. Two touching bars 1 and 2 are placed on an inclined plane forming an angle with
the horizontal (fig.). The masses of the bars are equal to m1 and m2, and the
coefficients of friction between the inclined plane and these bars are equal to k1 and
k2 respectively. with k1 > k2 Find :

(a) the force of interaction of the bars in the process of motion;

(b) the minimum value of the angle at which the bars start sliding down.
6. A small body was launched up an inclined plane set at an angle = 15 against the horizontal. Find the
coefficient of friction, if the time of the ascent of the body is = 2.0 times less than the time of its descent.
7. The inclined plane of Fig. forms an angle = 30 with the horizontal. The mass ratio
m2/m1= = 2/3. The coefficient of friction between the body m1 and the inclined plane
is equal to k = 0.10. The masses of the pulley and the threads are negligible. Find the
magnitude and the direction of acceleration of the body m2 when the formerly stationary
system of masses starts moving.

8. A small body A starts sliding down from the top of a wedge (Fig.) whose base is equal to = 2.10 m. The
coefficient of friction between the body and the wedge-surface is k = 0.140. At what value of the angle will
the time of sliding be the least ? What will it be equal to ?

9. A bar of mass m is pulled by means of a thread up an inclined plane forming an angle

with the horizontal (fig.). The coefficient of friction is equal to k. Find the angle
which the thread must from with the inclined plane for the tension of the thread to be
minimum. What is it equal to ?

10. In the arrangement shown in Fig. the mass of the rod M exceeds the mass m of the ball.
The ball has an opening permitting it to slide along the thread with some friction. The mass
of the pulley, mass of the string and the friction in its axle are negligible. At the initial
moment the ball was located opposite the lower end of the rod. When set free, both bodies
began moving with constant accelerations. Find the friction force between the ball and the
thread if t seconds after the beginning of motion the ball got opposite the upper end of the
rod. The rod length equals .

11. In the arrangement shown in figure the masses of the wedge M and the body m are known. The appreciable
friction exists only between the wedge and the body m, the friction coefficient being

equal to k. The masses of the pulley and the thread are negligible. Find the acceleration of the body m
relative to the horizontal surface on which the wedge Slides.

12. What is the minimum acceleration with which bar A (figure) should be shifted
horizontally to keep bodies 1 and 2 stationary relative to the bar? The masses of
the bodies are equal and the coefficient of friction between the bar and the bodies is
equal to k. The masses of the pulley and the threads are negligible, the friction in
the pulley is absent.

13. Prism 1 with bar 2 of mass m placed on it gets a horizontal acceleration w directed to the left (figure). At what
maximum value of this acceleration will the bar be still stationary relative to the prism, if the coefficient of
friction between them k < cot ?

31
14. A heavy chain with, mass per unit length is pulled by the
constant force F along a horizontal surface consisting of a
smooth section and a rough section. The chain is initially at
rest on the rough surface with x = 0. If the coefficient of kinetic L
friction between the chain and the rough surface is k, then x
what is the velocity v of the chain when x = L, if the force F is F
greater than k gL in order to initiate the motion. (neglect chain Rough k x=0 Smooth
normal) : [ kqjnj kk fpd uk

15. Find the accelerations a1, a2, a3 of the three blocks shown in figure. If a horizontal force of 10N is applied on
(a) 2 kg block, (b) 3 kg block, (c) 7 kg block. (Take g = 10 m/s2)

16. The three flat blocks in the figure are positioned on the 37 incline and a force
parallel to the inclined plane is applied to the middle block. The upper block is
prevented from moving by a wire which attaches it to the fixed support. The
masses of three blocks in kg and coefficient of static friction for each of
the three pairs of contact surfaces is shown in the figure. Determine the maxi-
mum value which force P may have before slipping take place anywhere.

PART - I
1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (C) 4. (A) 5. (A) 6. (B), (D)
7. (A,C) 8. (D)

PART - II
1. 30
2. Upper block 4 m/s2, lower block 1 m/s2 ; Both blocks 2 m/s2 3. (D)
4.

k 1 k 2 m1m 2 gcos ,
(b) tanmin = k 1m1 k 2 m 2
(

5. (a) F =
m1 m 2 m1 m 2
6. k = [(2 1) / (2 + 1)] tan = 0.16 7. w2 = g( sin k cos ) / ( + 1) = 0.05 g.

8. tan2 = 1 / k, = 49, tmin = 1.0s 9. tan = k; , Tmin = mg (sin + k cos ) / 1 k 2 .

10. Ffr = 2 mM / (M m)t2 11. w=g / (2 + k + M / m)
2
12. wmin = g (1 k) / (1 + k) 13. wmax = g (1 + k cot ) / cot k)

2F
14. k gL

5
15. (a) a1 = 3 m/s2, a2 = a3 = 0.4 m/s2 , (b) a1 = a2 = a3 = m/s2 , (c) same as (b)
6
16. P = 12 N
32