1J30.10 - Resolution of Forces on an Inclined Plane

Code Number:
1J30.10
Demo Title:
Resolution of Forces on an Inclined Plane
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Vector Addition of Forces
Area of Study:
Mechanics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Inclined Plane, friction block, mass sets, and pulleys.
Procedure:

Set the block on the inclined plane.  Attach the strings over the pulleys and set the pulleys to the proper angle.  Attach the weights until the block barely touches the incline plane.  When ready to show the demo remove the incline plane and block should stay in position.

This demo is easy to do if you set the incline at a 30 degree angle.  Then you basically have a 3:4:5 triangle, and the balancing forces are easy to calculate.  For instance, if you use a 1500g block, the perpendicular force would be 1200g, and the parallel force would be 900g.

References:
  • Irany Vera Manrique, Gabriela Rivadeneyra Gutiérrez, and David Alejandro Martínez González, "Kinetic Friction: Time Upward and Downward", TPT, Vol. 57, #3, Mar. 2019, p. 142.
  • Jerome C. Licini, "A Tilted-Axes Tool for Introductory Mechanics and Mathematics Courses", TPT, Vol. 56, #8, Nov. 2018, p. 528.
  • Debora M. Katz, "Hanging an Airplane: A Case Study in Static Equilibrium", TPT, Vol. 47, #8, Nov. 2009, p. 516.
  • Edward P. Wyrembeck, "Inductively Modeling Parallel, Normal, and Frictional Forces", TPT, Vol. 43, #2, Feb. 2005, p. 107.
  • Lou Turner, "System Schemas", TPT, Vol. 41, #7, Oct. 2003, p. 404.
  • Ronald Newburgh, "Force Diagrams: How? and Why?", TPT, Vol. 32, #6, Sept. 1994, p. 352.
  • Brian Lane, "Why Can't Physicists Draw FBD's?", TPT, Vol. 31, #4, Apr. 1993, p. 216.
  • Louis G. Mathot, "Free-Body Diagrams", TPT, Vol. 31, #7, Oct. 1993, p. 390.
  • Brian Lane, "Response to Mathot", TPT, Vol. 31, #7, Oct. 1993, p. 390.
  • Mj- 2: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • M- 272: "Cart on Inclined Plane", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
  • Tik Liem, "Which One is Heavier?", Investigation to Science Inquiry, p. 358.
  • Jonathan Mitschele and Matthew Muscato, Edited by Karl Mamola, "Demonstrating Normal Forces with an Electronic Balance", Apparatus for Teaching Physics, p. 31.
  • Cenco, "Coefficient of Friction", Selective Experiments in Physics.
  • Joseph Frick, "# 53 - The Inclined Plane", Physical Technics: Or, Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limited Means, p. 62.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.