Q8DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

A block rests on an inclined plane with enough friction to prevent it from sliding down. To start the block moving is it easier to push it up the plane or down the plane? Why?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

To start the block moving, it is easier to push it down the plane.

Step 1: Significance of the friction

The friction is described as the force that resists the relative motion of the solid surfaces. The frictional force is equal to the product of the frictional coefficient and the normal force.

Step 2: Determination of the pushing of the block

When the block is being pushed down an inclined surface, then the static frictional force acts that is helpful for pushing the block down an inclined plane. But when the block is pulled up, the frictional component does not work and it takes a large amount of force to push the block.

 

Thus, to start the block moving, it is easier to push it down the plane.