Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

Friction

Friction is the reaction force that acts tangentially along

(ii) Limiting friction
the interface between two contacting surfaces, opposing
their relative motion or the tendency to move. ² Acts on objects at the verge of motion
² The maximum static frictional force before
the onset of motion is limiting friction
² Limiting friction and normal reaction
F1 force are directly proportional
F2 ² Also referred to as the threshold frictional
force
= Direction of motion
F₁ = frictional force exerted by the surface on the
object
F₂ = frictional force exerted by the object on the μs
surface · μ is a unitless, dimensionless scalar.

Basic characteristics of frictional force

· Acts in opposition to relative motion or the

tendency of motion
² Depends on the material properties of the surfaces
· Forms an action-reaction pair in contact.
· Acts as an interfacial force between surfaces in ² Does not depend on the surface area or shape of
contact the contact region.
Friction
Dynamic friction

Static friction Self-adjusting ² Acts between objects in relative motion.

(when at rest) friction ² Is directly proportional to the normal force R

Limiting friction Kinetic friction

(when in motion) μk
X Applied = Frictional X Applied = Frictional
force force force force
X f = mR ² Depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact.
Static friction ² Does not depend on the velocity, shape, or area of
(i) Self-adjusting friction the object.
³ Important:
² Exists between surfaces in relative rest
² It is the initial stage of friction acting ² Frictional force does not depend on the contact
between two surfaces attempting to undergo area or speed of motion.
relative motion
² The frictional force increases when the ² The coefficient of limiting or kinetic friction is a
applied force increases and decreases when constant that depends on the material properties
the applied force decreases of the surfaces (smooth, rough).
· Not given by F = µR
For some surfaces, μ > 1, indicating a very high
resistance to motion.
DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 01
 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

· The kinetic frictional force is generally slightly Assume the object remains stationary, and let's increase
lower than the limiting frictional force. the inclination angle as θ increases.
herefore, for the same normal reaction force If the object does not move, the frictional force is static.
and the same surfaces
Frictional force (F) = mg sin q
μs > μk.
F µ sin q
² No matter how much the applied force
At a certain angle θ, the object starts to move. When
increases, the kinetic frictional force remains
motion begins, the constraint force balances with the
constant.
dynamic frictional force acting on the object.
² The equation F = μR is a general relation F
applicable to both static and kinetic friction.

² When an object of constant weight is placed on

a uniform surface and the applied force is
gradually increased from zero, plotting
frictional force against the applied force creates
θ
the below graph. θ2
Considering the limiting case at θ₂:
F
Fs = mqR
mg sin q2 = Fs mg cos q2
Fs = tan q2
Friction (N)
Fs = tan q2

k θ = the angle of inclination with respect to the

l horizontal.

j
Consider a case of motion with uniform velocity
Fk = mR
mg sin q = mk mg cos q2
(0,0)
mk = tan q2
Applied force (N)

01. Self-adjusting friction mk = tan q

02. Limiting friction (maximum value)
03. Kinetic friction
Conditions for an object losing equilibrium on an
inclined plane
Friction of an object on an inclined plane

Let us analyze the variation in frictional force acting on 01. Slipping

an object placed on an inclined plane as the inclination
angle of the plane increases. · When the object is on the verge of slipping
(limiting case):
R
q = tan-1 (miSud) θ = the critical angle at which
m the object begins to slide.

02. Toppling (Overturning)

θ
· If the object topples, the line of action of its
mg weight must shift beyond the edge of its base of
support.

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 02

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

· The force acting on them results in a frictional

force from the ground that opposes motion.

· This frictional force enables the deiven wheels

h to rotate.
d
Friction on driven wheels acts in the direction
mg
θ of motion.

² For an object about to overturn (limiting case):

NOTE

Angle of friction
R mR

Ffhd R/ q = Angle of friction

q
Fi

The angle of friction is the angle between the normal

reaction R and the resultant reaction force R'.
The coefficient of friction is given by the angle of
friction.
mR
tan q =
R
tan q = m
When the direction of the applied force changes, the
direction of friction and the resultant reaction force also
change.The set of all possible reaction forces forms a
conical shape, known as the friction cone.

Drive Wheels
· These are the wheels that receive power
directly from the engine.

· They exert a force on the ground opposite to the

direction of motion, generating a reaction force
from the ground in the direction of motion. '

· This reaction force propels the vehicle forward.

Friction on drive wheels acts in the direction

of motion.

Driven Wheels

· These wheels are not directly powered by the

engine.

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 03

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

Multiple Choice Questions 06' Find the frictional force when a horizontal force of
50N is applied to the 20kg object.
Bronze wings
(1) 4N (2) 3N (3) 40N
01. The fundamental types of friction are respectively, (4) 10N (5) 30N

(1) Limiting, dynamic, self-adjusting

07. Which statement about friction is true?
(2) Limiting, self-adjusting, dynamic
(3) Self-adjusting, dynamic, limiting
(1) It can occur between two non-contacting
(4) Self-adjusting, limiting, dynamic
surfaces.
(5) Dynamic, limiting, self-adjusting
(2) It occurs only when there is relative motion
between two objects.
02. Consider the following statements: (3) It acts only on a single object, following
Newton's Third Law.
(A) The force of friction depends on the speed of (4) Frictional force opposes the relative motion
motion. along the surface or the attempt at relative
(B) The force of friction does not depend on the motion.
area of contact. (5) Frictional force consists of limiting friction and
(C) At least one of the two surfaces must be rough self-adjusting friction.
for friction to occur.

Which of these are true? 08. A wooden block of mass 1 kg is kept at rest on a
(1) A, B only (2) B, C only (3) A, C only horizontal rough surface and a vertical force of 10
(4) B only (5) None N is applied on the wooden block as shown in the
figure. If the coefficient of limiting friction
between the block and the surface is 0.2, then the
** A 20 kg block of wood is placed on a rough frictional force exerted by the surface on the block
horizontal plane with a coefficient of static friction is,
(μs) = 0.2 and a coefficient of dynamic friction (μk) 10N
= 0.15. ^1& 0 N
^2& 1 N
^3& 2 N
^4& 4 N
^5& None of the above

09. A load of mass m moves on a rough horizontal track

under the influence of external forces. At a certain
03' The frictional force on the object is: instant, the velocity of the load is 10 m/s towards the
east, and the acceleration of the load is 10 m/s²
(1) 40N (2) 20N (3) 0N towards the north. If the frictional force on the load
(4) 10N (5) 4N is F, the direction of F is,

^1& North ^2& East ^3& South

04. Find the frictional force when a horizontal force of ^4& West ^5& None of the above
10N is applied to the 20kg object.
10. A box of mass 5 kg rests on a horizontal table. The
(1) 4N (2) 3N (3) 40N coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and
(4) 10N (5) 0.3N the table is 0.3. The box moves when it is pulled by a
horizontal force of 20 N. The frictional force
exerted by the table on the box during motion is
05' Find the frictional force when a horizontal force of approximately equal to,
20N is applied to the 20kg object.
(1) 15 N
(1) 4N (2) 3N (3) 40N (2) 13 N
(4) 20N (5) 0.3N (3) 20 N
(4) 5N
(5) 16 N

Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 04

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

11. A block of metal is placed on a rough plane whose 16. The coefficient of friction of the rough inclined
inclination is variable and the coefficient of static plane shown in the figure is μ. Consider the
friction is 1/√2 and the angle the inclined plane following statements made about the above system:
makes with the horizontal is θ. The metal block
remains stationary on the inclined plane. What a) When tan θ < μ, the tension in the string is non-
about the maximum value θ can take? zero.
b) When tan θ = μ, the tension in the string is zero.
(1) 300 c) When tan θ > μ, the tension in the string is less
(2) 300 < qmax< 450 than mg sin θ.
(3) 450
(4) 450 < qmax< 600 Which of the above statements is true?
0
(5) 60 q (1) a only.
(2) a, b only.
(3) b, c only.
12. A wooden block of mass m is placed on a rough (4) a, c only.
surface with a tension of T to the screen. If the block (5) All.
is in limiting equilibrium, find the coefficient of
limiting friction between the block and the surface.

^1& tan q ^2& sin q ^3& tan (q)

-1 17. The image depicts a man's attempt to stop a cow tied
2 to a rope from escaping. At point X the force acting
^4& cos q ^5& sin q
on the leg of the cow is FL and the force acting on the
ground is FG . At point Y the force acting on the rope
13. A boy keeps a 20 kg box on the wooden floor is FR and the force acting on the hand of the man is
attached to his bicycle and rides the bicycle. The FH. FL, FG, FR and FH is correctly represented by,
coefficient of static friction between the box and the
floor is 0.3 and the coefficient of dynamic friction is
0.2. What is the maximum acceleration with which Y
the boy can ride the bicycle so that the box does not
slide?
^1& 5 ms-2 X
^2& 2 ms-2
FL FL FG FL
^3& 4 ms-2 X ys
FL FL FG
-2
^4& 3 ms FG FG FG
-2
^5& 1 ms
FR FH FR FH FR FH FR FH FR FH
Y ys
14. The figure shows how a block of mass 2 kg is placed
^1& ^2& ^3& ^4& ^5&
on a rough inclined plane at 30° from the horizontal.
The coefficient of friction between the block and (2004 - 31)
the inclined plane is 0.7. What will be the frictional
18. Which of the following diagrams represents the
force acting on the block? (√3 = 1.7) directions of the forces of friction acting on the two
wheels of the bicycle while riding a bicycle on a
(1) 5N
frictional surface by a rider?
(2) 10 N
(3) 11.9 N
30o
(4) 20 N
(5) 25 N

15. An object of mass 5 kg is placed on a rough inclined ^1& ^2& ^3& ^4& ^5&
surface at 60° to the horizontal. The coefficient of (2005 - 27)
friction between the surface and the object is 0.75.
The frictional force acting on it is: 19. Consider two cars A and B. Only the front wheels of
car A are connected to the engine and only the rear
5 kg
^1& 62.3 N wheels of car B are connected to the engine. Which
^2& 54.8 N of the following diagrams correctly shows the
^3& 43.3 N directions of the frictional forces exerted by the
^4& 18.7 N ground on the front and rear wheels of cars A and B as
^5& 14.6 N 600 they move forward?

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 05

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

23. A particle projected with a velocity V from the

^1& A B bottom of a plane inclined at 45° to the horizontal
has velocity V' when it returns to the starting point.
^2& A B Find V/V' (Coefficient of friction = 0.5).

^3& A B (1) Ö3 (2) Ö5 (3) Ö2

(4) 1/Ö2 (5) 1/2
^4& A B
24. A heavy wooden block with plane support rests on a
rough horizontal plane and a force acts on it at an
^5& A B inclination of 45°. As the block moves, this force is
gradually increased until it starts moving. If the
(2014 - 38) coefficient of friction is 0.5, what is the ratio of the
force to the weight of the block?
Silver wings
(1) 2 (2) 3 (3) 1/Ö3
(4) Ö2 (5) 1/2
20. If the wall and the object are rough and
the coefficient of friction is 0.2 and the
mass of the object is 5 kg, find the 25. The masses of two cubes A and B are 10 kg and 5 kg,
frictional force when the object is respectively. They are arranged as shown in Figure
released along the surface. B. The loop is smooth and the string is unthreaded.
The coefficient of static friction between the table
^1& 1 N and cube A is 0.2. What is the minimum mass of
^2& 10N cube C that must be placed on top of cube A to
^3& 0 prevent it from moving.
C
^4& 0. 1N
^1& 5 kg
^5& 2 N A
^2& 10 kg
^3& 12 kg
21. A box of mass 100 kg placed on rough ground is ^4& 15 kg
B
pulled by a man tied with a string as shown in the ^5& 18 kg
figure. If the limiting coefficient of static friction is
0.5, the minimum force (F) that the man must exert
on the string to move the box is, ( √3 = 1.7.) 26. A uniform ladder rests on a rough horizontal floor
and against a smooth vertical wall inclined at 45°. If
(1) 633.3 N the coefficient of friction between the floor and the
(2) 909 N ladder is 5/8, how far can a person of equal weight
(3) 1545 N climb the ladder without it slipping?
(4) 227.25 N 30
o

(5) None of the above. (1) 1/2 (2) 1/4 (3) 3/4
(4) 2/3 (5) 1/5

27. A lorry moves down a 30° incline to the horizontal

22. A uniformly weighted ladder resting against a with an acceleration a. A box of mass m on the truck
smooth vertical wall and rough ground is in static is at rest relative to the truck. The frictional force on
equilibrium (in the limiting case). If the angle the box is:
between the ladder and the horizontal ground is 30°,
then the coefficient of static friction (μs) between
the ladder and the ground is:

(1) μs ≥ 1/ 3
(2) μs ≥ 1/ 2 300
(3) μs ≥ 2/ 3
(4) μs ≥ 3/ 2 0

(5) μs ≥ 3/ 2
30 ^1& 0.5 mg ^2& m(0.5g-a) and m(a-0.5g)
^3& ma ^4& m(a+0.5g)
^5& m(0.5g-a)

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 06

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

28. A block of wood of mass m kg is placed on a If a load of weight w is attached to the end of the rod
horizontal rough surface and the coefficient of by a light string, the frictional force exerted on the
limiting friction between the surface and the block rod by the vertical surface is:
is μ. A gradually increasing horizontal force P is
applied to the block of wood. If R is the resultant ^1& mg
force exerted by the surface on the wooden block, ^2& mg / 2
which of the following are true: ^3& mg / 3 l/2
^4& 2mg
^5& Data are insufficient. 450
P

32. As shown in the figure, a pendulum is suspended

from the roof of a trolley A, and another object B of
the same mass as the pendulum is touching the
^A& The variation of R gradually increases and vertical face of the trolley A. The trolley moves on
eventually becomes constant at that value. horizontal rails and accelerates in the right direction
^B& R ≤ mg √(μ² + 1) with an acceleration a. B is in the limiting case. If
^C& The angle R makes with the vertical ≤ tan⁻¹(μ). the coefficient of friction between the surfaces of A
and B is 0.5, the angle made by the pendulum with
What are the true statements? the vertical is:
^1& A only. ^2& B, C only.
(1) tan-1(2)
^3& A, B only ^4& A, C only. -1
(2) tan (g)
^5& All. -1
(3) tan (1)
(4) tan-1(1/2)
29. A mass m is at rest on a rough horizontal surface. (5)
-1
tan (0.25)
The coefficient of friction between the mass and the
surface is μ. If a force F is applied to the mass at an
angle of 60° to the surface, the limiting friction is:
33. In the system shown in the figure, m₁ is in limiting
(1) m mg F equilibrium, and m₁ slides on m₂. Find the
coefficient of friction between m₂ and the ground.
600
[
(2) m mg - Ö3 F
2 [ The coefficient of friction between m₁ and m₂ is k.

(3) m [mg - F [
^1& ( m km+ +mmtan a )
1 1

1
2

2
m1
2 m2
m1k1 + m2 sin a
(4) m [mg + F [ [
(5) m mg + Ö3 F
2 [ ^2& ( m1 + m2 )
2
m1k1 a
^3&
m2
30. An insect A slowly climbs up from the bottom of a
hemispherical container as shown in the figure. If ^4& ( m tan ma + m k )
1 2 1
^5&
m2k1
m2
the coefficient of friction between the insect and the 1

surface is 1/3, at the start of the downward slide:

34. A uniform cylinder is supported on a rough plane
(1) tan θ = 3 θ inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal by a
(2) sin θ = 3 horizontal string as shown in the figure. Find the
(3) cos θ = 3 minimum value of the coefficient of static friction
(4) tan θ = 1/3 that can exist between the cylinder and the plane so
that the cylinder does not slip.
(5) cos θ = 1/3
^1& cosq ^2& cosq
1+sinq 1-sinq
31. A uniform rod of length l and mass m is in
equilibrium as shown in the figure, touching a ^3& sinq ^4& tanq
q
rough vertical surface. The rod is inclined at 45° to 1+cosq 1+tanq
the horizontal, and the string is perpendicular to the
^5& sinq
rod.
1-cosq

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 07

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

35. A string attached to a mass M on a rough inclined 39. A box is dropped vertically at time t = 0 onto a
plane is passed over a smooth pulley at the top of the conveyor belt moving to the horizontal direction
inclined plane, and a mass m is attached to the free with a uniform speed as shown in the figure.If the
end. Initially, the system is at rest and the inclination box picks up the belt speed in time t0 , the magnitude
of the inclined plane is gradually increased until the (F) of the frictional force exerted by the belt on the
mass M starts moving along the inclined plane at θ = box against time (t) graph is best represented by,
60°. μ is the coefficient of friction between the
inclined plane and M. The value of M/m is:

1
^1&
3
^2& 3
2 M
^3& F F F
3
^4& 2 m

^5& 3 / 2 θ
0 t0 t 0 t0 t 0 t0 t
36. A car moves with uniform velocity. The tension in ^1& ^2& ^3&
the string is, F F
m

M=0.5 M m 0 t0 t 0 t0 t
^4& ^5& (1996 - 45)

^1& 0 ^2& 3Mmg ^3& 3mg / 4 40. A block is kept at rest on an inclined plane and the
^4& 3mg / 4 ^5& 2 (
3 M+m ( inclination θ of the plane with the horizontal can be
m changed.Which of the following graphs best
represents the variation of the frictional force (F)
37. One end of a string S is fixed to the center of gravity between the plane and the block with θ?
of a rod R and the other end is fixed to a rough wall W. F F F
One end of the rod is balanced touching the wall as
shown in the figure. If the coefficient of friction
between the wall and the rod is 1/ √3 then the
minimum possible value of the angle between the q q q
wall and the rod is,
1) 2) 3)
S R F F
0 0
^1& 15 ^2& 30
^3& 450 ^4& 600 q
^5& 750
W q
q
(1998-60)
38. A block of mass 5 N is pushed against a rough vertical
wall by a horizontal force of 12 N as shown in the
41. A force P is applied to an object of mass 2kg on a
figure. If the block is stationary the magnitude of the
horizontal surface as shown in figure. The coefficient
applied force on the block by the wall is,
of dynamic friction between the two surfaces is 0.5. If
12N the object is moving with uniform velocity, the
perpendicular reaction force R is,
P
^1& 10 N
^2& 10 2 N
^3& 20 N R
^1& 17 N ^2& 13 N ^3& 12 N ^4& 20 2 N
^4& 7 N ^5& 5N ^5& 40 N 450
(1991 - 36)
(2000 - 51)

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 08

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

42. An object is on a horizontal table. The graph that best 45. A box (A) of mass 50 kg is placed on the horizontal
represents the variation in the frictional force f acting floor of a truck as shown in the figure. The
on the object when the object is pulled by a uniformly coefficient of static friction between the box and the
increasing horizontal force F starting from zero, truck floor is 0.8, and the truck is accelerating along
a straight horizontal path. The maximum
f f f acceleration that the truck can have so that the box
does not slide on the floor of the truck is:

(1) 2ms-2
-2
0 (2) 4ms A
0 F 00 F 00 F -2
^1& ^2& ^3& (3) 8ms
-2
(4) 10ms
f f (5) 12ms -2

(2010)
46. A block is held against a wall by a
force F as shown in the figure so
0 F 00 F that it does not slide down the wall.
0 ^4& ^5& (2004 - 10) F
The perpendicular reaction on the
block by the wall is R,
43. A box of mass 5 kg is placed on a horizontal surface. the static frictional force on the block by the wall is
The coefficient of static friction between the box and represented by FS and the limiting static frictional
the surface is 0.3. If a horizontal force of 10 N is force is represented by FS Max. As F is gradually
applied to the box, the magnitude of the frictional increased,
force acting on the box is,
R FS FS,Max
(1) 1.5N (2) 3 N (3) 4.5N ^1& Increases Does not change Increases
(4) 10 N (5) 15 N ^2& Increases Increases Increases
(2008 - 07) ^3& Increases Increases Does not change
^4& Increases Decreases Decreases
44. A box is placed on a horizontal surface and a ^5& Decreases Decreases Decreases
horizontal force F is applied to the box. The
variation of the magnitude of F with time is shown (2011 - 51)
47.
in the graph. Which of the following graph/s shows A
the possible variation in the magnitude of the
frictional force Ff acting on the box? υ
B A B
F

(1) (2)
0 t Two identical blocks of A and B are placed on top of
0
each other as shown in the figure. Figure (2) shows
Ff Ff how they are connected a string. In both cases they
are moved on the same surface and moved with the
same velocity v. If the total frictional forces applied
0 0 by the surfaces on the blocks at the two instances (1)
0 t 0 t
and (2) are respectively F1 and F2. Then,
^A& ^B&
Ff Ff ^1& F1 > F2 ^2& F1 < F2 ^3& F1 ≥ F2
^4& F1 ≤ F2 ^5& F1 = F2 (2012 - 21)
0 0
0 t 0 t
^C& ^D& 48. Two blocks A and B of masses 0.5kg and 1.0kg
respectively are connected as shown in figure by a
^1& A only. ^2& B only. light inelastic string passed around a light smooth
^3& D only. ^4& B and D only. pulley. The coefficient of dynamic friction between
^5& A and C only. all the surfaces in contact is 0.25. What is the force
F that must be applied to block B to move it to the
(2009 - 51) left with a constant velocity?

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 09

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

l L l
A (1) (2) (3)
(1) 2.50N (L - l) l L
(2) 3.75N L l+L
(4) (5)
(3) 5.00N F B (L - l) l
(4) 6.25N
(5)7.50N
53. A uniform ladder AB has a mass of 20 kg. It is in
(2020-22) equilibrium between a smooth wall and a rough
floor as shown in the figure. Now a student applies a
force P to corner A horizontally towards the wall. If
49. A block of mass 1 kg is placed on a rough horizontal
the coefficient of friction at A is 1/3, what is the
surface.The block is pulled by an inclined force of
maximum force that can be applied without
4N at an angle of 30° to the horizontal as shown in
fig. If the block is in limiting equilibrium what is the breaking equilibrium? B
coefficient of limiting friction between the two
(1) 100 N
surfaces?
(2) 50 N
4N (3) 150 N
(1) Ö3 (2) Ö3 300 12 m
4 5 (4) 120 N
Ö3 Ö3 1kg (5) 140 N A
(3) (4) 4m
6 8
(5) Ö3
10
(2022-20)
54. A uniform rod is horizontally balanced, as shown in
50. Two boxes A and B, made of different materials, the figure. A small mass is suspended at one end of
with masses 10 kg and 5 kg, respectively, are placed the rod, and the rod remains in limiting equilibrium
on a rough horizontal surface, as shown in the at an angle θ to the horizontal . Find the coefficient
figure. The coefficient of kinetic friction between of friction between the rod and the spherical
box A and the surface is 0.5. When a horizontal surface.
force of 100 N is applied to box A, the normal
reaction force between boxes A and B is 40 N. What (1) sin θ
is the coefficient of kinetic friction between box B (2) cos θ
and the horizontal surface? (3) tan θ
(4) 1 / tan θ
(1) 0.7
(2) 0.6 100N (5) sin θ - cos θ
sin θ + cos θ
(3) 0.5 A B
(4) 0.4
(5) 0.3 55. In the above case, the horizontal displacement of
the center of mass of the rod from the highest point
(2024-16)
of the hemisphere is, (The rod does not slide.)
Gold wings
(1) r q (2) r tanq +q
51. The time taken for an object to come down from the (3) r cosq (4) r cosq (tan -q)
top of a rough inclined plane at 45° is n times the
(5) r tanq -q
time taken if the plane was smooth. Find the
coefficient of kinetic friction between the object and
the plane.
n-1 1 n2 56. A plank AB of length 5 m is fixed such that its end A
(1) n (2) n (3) 1-n is on the ground and its end B is 3 m above the
1 ground. A wooden box of mass 50 kg is placed on
(4) 1 - n2 (5) None of the above. the plank. The coefficient of friction between the
plank and the box is 0.3. Find the minimum
52. Part of a uniform chain of length L rests on a horizontal force that must be exerted to prevent the
horizontal rough table, and the rest hangs freely box from sliding down.
below the edge. Find the coefficient of friction
between the chain and the table if the length l is the (1) 420 N (2) 184 N (3) 320 N
maximum length that the chain can hang down on (4) 100 N (5) 210 N
the table without slipping.

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 10

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

57. A uniform chain of length L is placed on a rough ^3& m2(g+a)

table, and μ is the coefficient of limiting friction m1
^4& m1m2[(g-a)(1+k)]
between the table and the chain. The maximum m1 + m2
length (l) that the chain can hang from the edge of ^5& Data are insufficient.
the table without the chain slipping is, m2
L

l 61. Two rigid bodies A and B of equal inertia are

connected by a massless string and placed on a
L L mL rough horizontal surface, and the tension in the
^1& ^2& ^3& m+1
m m-1 string is T. A horizontal external force P acts on A as
mL shown and increases the magnitude of P gradually.
^4& mL ^5& If the frictional forces acting on A and B are F and
m-1 1-m
F₂, respectively. If the limiting value of F and F₂ is
Fo,
B A
58. A load A of mass 2 kg rests on a wooden block B of
mass 8 kg. The wooden block B is placed on a table. T P
The coefficient of limiting friction between A and B
is 0.2, and the coefficient of limiting friction F2 F1
between B and the table is 0.2. If a horizontal force
of 45 N is applied to block B, the frictional force ^A& If P < Fo, then T = 0.
exerted by B on A and the frictional force exerted by ^B& If Fo < P < 2Fo, thenT = P - Fo.
the earth on B are, respectively (note that coefficient
^C& If P > 2Fo, then T = P/2.
of limiting friction = coefficient of kinetic friction).
^1& A only ^2& B only ^3& A, B only.
^1& 5N , 20N ^4& A, C only ^5& All.
^2& 0N , 0N A
^3& 4N , 20N 45N
^4& 0N , 25N B 62. The tension or compressive force in the light rod is
^5& 0N , 50N maximal. The maximum value of F at which the
system can remain in equilibrium is,
l
^1& 100 N Light rod
59. Mass M is placed on a rough horizontal plane as in
the figure. A and B are smooth fixed pulleys, and C ^2& 500 N 3kg
4l
is a movable pulley. If mass m moves downward ^3& 70 N
with acceleration a, what is the coefficient of kinetic ^4& 120 N 2l
m = 0.25
friction between M and the table? ^5& 0 N
4kg
T
1
^1& Mg (mg - Ma) M
A B 4l
2l
m = 25/28
1 l/2 T
^2& 2Mg (mg - (m+4M)a) C F l/2 8kg l/2

m = 0.25
1
^3& 2Mg(mg + (m+4M)a) m 63. End A of a uniform rod AB is in P
contact with a rough vertical wall.
1 The center point Q of the rod is
^4& 3Mg(Mg - (m+3M)a) ^5& None of the above
connected to a fixed point P on the B
wall by a string PQ so that the
entire system is in a vertical plane
60. A mass is attached to both ends of a string passing as shown in the figure. The Q
over a fixed pulley attached to a box on a lever as q
coefficient of friction between the
shown. Find the tension in the string if the lever rod and the wall is 1/√3. If the
rises with acceleration a. km₁ > m₂ and the angle between the wall and the rod A
coefficient of friction between the box and the lever is θ then the minimum value of θ to
is k. maintain equilibrium,
m1m2[(g+a)(1+k)]
^1& m1 + m2 ^2& m1g ^1& 30
0
^2& 45
0
^3& 60
0

0 0
^4& 75 ^5& 90 (1984 - 22)
DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 11
 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

64. The weight of block A is 4N and the weight of the R

block B is 8N as shown in the figure. The coefficient F q
of friction of all the surfaces is 0.2. The B block is
pulled with a constant force of P. The tension of the
string is,
q q q
T
A

P B 0 0 0
T 0 F 0 F 0 F
^1& ^2& ^3&
^1& 3 N ^2& 2N ^3& 1N q q
^4& 0.25 N ^5& 0
(1989-46)
0 0
0 F 0 F
65. A block A of mass 4N is supported on block B of
^4& ^5&
mass 12 N placed on the floor F as shown in the (2013 - 48)
figure. A is attached to the wall by a light inelastic
string. The coefficient of static friction between A
and B and between B and F is the same and is equal to 68. In the shown system a light inextensible string is
1/4. The minimum force P required to pull B in the connected to two equal masses of M. The two masses
left direction is, move with uniform velocity. The pulleys are smooth
and frictionless. The coefficient of dynamic friction
^1& 1N between the mass and the plane is,
^2& 2N
^3& 3N A (1) tan q (2) 1- sinq
P
^4& 4N B
^5& 5N F (3) 1- sinq (4) sinq -1
cosq cosq
(1994 - 34)
(5) 1+ sinq
cosq q
66. Two solid wedges of mass m each are placed close to
each other as shown in figure. A cube of mass M is (2023 - 44)
placed on the wedges. Assume there is no friction
between the wedges of the cube. The coefficient of 69. Two identical rectangular isosceles wedges of
static friction between the wedge and the ground is μ. mass m each are placed next to each other on a
The largest value of M for which the wedges can be rough horizontal surface. A solid cylinder of mass
balanced without moving is given by, M is balanced on the wedges as shown in the figure.
Assume that there is no friction between the
mm
^1& cylinder and the wedges. The coefficient of static
2
friction between the wedges and the horizontal
mm M surface is μ. What is the maximum value of M for
^2&
1-m
which the wedges remain in equilibrium without
2mm m m slipping?
^3&
1-m 450 450 450 450
^4& (1 - m)m
M
^5& 2 (1 - m)m
m m
450 450
(2011 - 50)

m mm
67. A box placed on the rough horizontal surface of a (1) (2) mm (3)
table is pulled by a variable horizontal force of 2 2 1+m
magnitude F. For a given value F the resultant force R (4) mm (5) 2mm
acting on the box by the surface makes an angle of θ 1- m 1- m (2024 - 50)
with the horizontal direction as shown in the figure.
The variation of angle θ with F is best represented by,

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 12

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

Essay Questions 72. A uniform solid cylinder of height 30 cm and

bottom radius 10 cm is placed on a rough inclined
70. Two wedges of mass m each are placed in plane at an angle of θ to the horizontal, as shown in
proximity to each other on a frictionless horizontal the figure, and released. (μ is the coefficient of
plane, as shown in the figure. A rigid body of mass friction between the plane and the cylinder.)
M is placed on the wedges. Assume there is no
friction between the wedges and the cube. The 30cm
coefficient of static friction between the wedge and
the ground is μ.
θ
M
a) If the cylinder is in equilibrium when released,
m m show that, tan θ ≤ 2/3
450 450 450 450 b) Show that, tan θ ≤ μ if in equilibrium.
c) If μ = 1/3 and tan θ = 1/2, explain what happens
when the cylinder is released.
(1) What is the difference between the coefficient of
static friction and the coefficient of dynamic
friction? 73. (a) A box of mass 40 kg is placed on a frictionless
(2) Draw a free body diagram showing the horizontal plane, and a wooden block of mass 10
interacting forces between the wedge and the kg is placed on it. The coefficient of static friction
cube. and the coefficient of dynamic friction between
(3) Find the normal force (R) exerted by the wedges the box and the wooden block are 0.6 and 0.4,
on the cube. respectively. If a horizontal force of 100 N is
(4) Derive an expression for the reaction force of the applied to the block, find the acceleration of the
block relative to the box.
Earth on the wedge in terms of R.
(5) Derive an expression for the largest value of M 100N
[5 m/s²]
including μ for which the wedge can remain in
equilibrium without slipping.

71' ^a& ^¸& What is the frictional force?

b)As shown in the figure, cube A of mass 100 kg is
^¸¸& Define the coefficient of friction. placed on cube B of mass 200 kg and connected
to a fixed surface by a horizontal string. The
^¸¸¸& Tabulate the benefits and drawbacks caused
coefficient of friction between cubes A and B is
by the presence of a frictional force.
0.2, and the coefficient of friction between cube
^b& B and the horizontal surface is 0.3. What is the
minimum magnitude of the horizontal force
A
required to move cube B?
[1100 N]

1kg

(I) What is the frictional force between the A

surface and the plane if object A is at rest?
[10 N]
B F
^¸¸& Does the value of (bi) above change if object
A moves with uniform velocity?

^¸¸¸& If the load A is 50 N, calculate the coefficient c) Two cubes are placed on an inclined plane pulled
of dynamic friction between the surface and together by a light inelastic string, as shown in
the object under condition (bii) above. the figure. The coefficient of dynamic friction
[0.2] between the large cube and the surface is 0.5,

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 13

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

and the coefficient of dynamic friction between the 76. Two wooden blocks A and B of mass 10 kg and 5 kg,
small cube and the surface is 0.25. Calculate the respectively, are connected by a light string passing
general acceleration of the object and the tension in through a smooth pulley and placed on a rough
the string. table, as shown in the figure, and released. The
8 kg
coefficient of friction between the wooden blocks
[1.39 ms-2, 5.77 N] and the table is 0.2. (The coefficient of dynamic
friction and the coefficient of limiting friction are
4 kg the same.)
300
A

74. . A 50 kg bag of cement is dropped on a conveyor B

belt moving with a velocity of 2 m/s. In 2 seconds, it
acquires the speed of the belt.
^I& Copy the figure and mark its forces.
(I) Find the magnitude of the force exerted on the
(ii) (a) Calculate the frictional force on block A.
cement bag.
[20 N]
(b) Are the blocks of wood stationary?
(ii) Explain how that force is generated.
(c) What type of frictional force acts at that
(iii) Graph the variation of the frictional force
moment?
exerted by the belt on the box with time. (iii) A load C is placed on block A to prevent it from
[50 N]
moving when the system is released. What is
50kg
the minimum mass that load C should have?
[15 kg]
2ms-1
(iv) If a load with mass greater than the mass value
calculated in (iii) above is placed on block A,

(a) Is the system still stationary at that point?

75. a) (I) State the basic moments of friction (b) What type of frictional force acts at that
respectively. moment?

(ii) A box of mass 5 kg is placed on a rough

surface as shown in the figure. A person tries
to push it on the surface by exerting an
increasing horizontal force P. Graph the
variation of the frictional force F against the
P. (Limiting friction coefficient = 0.3,
dynamic friction coefficient = 0.2)

b) Now gradually increase the inclination of the

plane.

(I) In what ways can equilibrium be broken?

(ii) Plot the frictional force on the box against the

angle θ if equilibrium is broken by sliding.

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 14

 Advanced Level PHYSICS Friction

MCQ Answer NOTE

(01) 04 (02) 02 (03) 03 (04) 04 (05) 04

(06) 05 (07) 04 (08) 01 (09) 01 (10) 02
(11) 02 (12) 01 (13) 04 (14) 02 (15) 3/4
(16) 03 (17) 02 (18) 02 (19) 04 (20) 03
(21) 01 (22) 05 (23) 01 (24) 04 (25) 04
(26) 03 (27) 02 (28) 02 (29) 02 (30) 04
(31) 02 (32) 01 (33) 01 (34) 03 (35) 05
(36) 04 (37) 04 (38) 02 (39) 04 (40) 05
(41) 05 (42) 03 (43) 04 (44) 04 (45) 03
(46) 01 (47) 05 (48) 04 (49) 01 (50) 01
(51) 04 (52) 01 (53) 01 (54) 03 (55) 04
(56) 02 (57) 03 (58) 03 (59) 02 (60) 03
(61) 05 (62) 04 (63) 03 (64) 04 (65) 05
(66) 03 (67) 02 (68) 03 (69) 05

NOTE

DR. DARSHANA UKUWELA Advanced Level PHYSICS Page | 15