A block is moving on an inclined plane making an angle with the horizontal and the coefficient of friction is . The force required to just push it up the inclined plane is 3 times the force required to just prevent it from sliding down. If we define , then is
Answer:
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Written solution
Step 1: Identify the given parameters.
Let the mass of the block be , the acceleration due to gravity be , the angle of inclination be , and the coefficient of friction be .
Step 2: Express the force required to push the block up the incline.
The applied force must overcome both the component of gravity along the incline and the maximum static friction force acting down the incline.
Step 3: Express the force required to prevent the block from sliding down.
The applied force and the friction force both act up the incline to balance the downward component of gravity.
Step 4: Use the given relation to solve for the coefficient of friction.
The force to push the block up is three times the force to prevent it from sliding down.
Substitute the expressions for and into the relation.
Divide both sides by .
Rearrange the terms to solve for .
Step 5: Calculate the value of and .
Substitute into the equation.
Calculate using the definition .
Answer: