Inclined Plane: Friction and Rolling

Theory

On a slope of angle $\theta$, the weight has a component $mg\sin \theta$ along the ramp and the normal force is $N=mg\cos \theta$. Sliding: $a=g(\sin \theta -\mu \cos \theta )$. The block stays at rest if $\mu \ge \tan \theta$. A cylinder rolling without slipping has $a=\frac{2}{3}g\sin \theta$.

What to observe

• 30° ramp: $\tan 30°\approx 0.58$.
• The block with μ = 0.7 does not move; the one with μ = 0.1 slides down accelerating.

Try this

• Change the ramp’s incline in the panel.
• Turn on velocity and force vectors in Scene › Display.

Also available in: Plano inclinado: atrito e rolamento (Português) · Plano inclinado: fricción y rodadura (Español)