Physics Demonstrations

Inclined Plane

Plane Angle (degrees, 0-80))
Initial Velocity (m/s)
Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

In this demonstration, we set in motion ( $v_{o}$ ) two blocks of the same mass down two inclined planes. The planes have the same angle (θ) as each other. One plane is smooth while one plane is rough. The equations of motion for the blocks are: Soomth $a_{smooth} = g \cdot \sin (θ)$ $x_{smooth} = v_{0} \cdot t + \frac{1}{2} \cdot a_{smooth} \cdot t^{2}$ $y_{smooth} = - x_{smooth} \cdot \tan (θ)$ Rough Motion $a_{rough} = g \cdot \sin (θ) - μ_{k} \cdot g \cdot \cos (θ)$ $x_{rough} = v_{0} \cdot t + \frac{1}{2} \cdot a_{rough} \cdot t^{2}$ $y_{rough} = - x_{rough} \cdot \tan (θ)$ Some questions to consider while viewing the demonstration: Compare the spacing between the smooth and rough as the angle increases. In the shallow angles, what happens to the rough block? Construct two real world solutions; one for the smooth and one for the rough inclined plane.