FRICTION (A/L Combined Mathematics)

1.

A wooden block of weight w1is resting on a rough horizontal table is

connected by a light inextensible string BC to a fixed small nail on a
vertical wall as shown in the diagram. A particle of weight w2 is tied
at a point A of the string so that CA makes an with the downward
vertical. If the portion AB is horizontal, and the block is in limiting
equilibrium, show that w1 = w2 tan , where is the coefficient of
friction between the block and the table. (A.L.- 2013 Part A)

2.

A uniform rod of weight W and length 2a is in equilibrium with the end A on a rough horizontal
ground and the end B against a smooth vertical wall which is perpendicular to the vertical plane

containing the rod AB. If the coefficient of friction between the rod and the ground is

3.

3
2

find the

inclination of the rod to the horizontal when it is just about to slip. (A.L.- 2012 Part A)
Two uniform rods AB and BC of equal length and of weights W and w (W> w) respectively are freely
^
joined at B. The rods rest in equilibrium in a vertical plane with A B C=

and the ends A

and C on a rough horizontal ground. If is the coefficient of friction between the rods and the

ground, show that the least possible value of is

is
4.

W +w
W +3 w

in order to preserve the equilibrium. If

W +w
W +3 w , prove that the slipping is about to occur at C but not at A. (A.L. 2010)

A uniform solid hemisphere of weight W is placed with its curved surface on a rough plane inclined
at an angle to the horizontal. It is in limiting equilibrium with its plane surface horizontal, when a
small weight w is attached to a point on the circumference of its plane face. Show that if is the

coefficient of friction, then =

5.

w
W ( W +2 w ) = tan . (A.L.-2008)

A uniform rod of length a and weight W rests in a vertical plane inside a fixed rough hemispherical
bowl of radius a. The rod is in limiting equilibrium inclined at an angle to the horizontal, and the

coefficient of friction is (<

3 ). Show that the reaction at the lower end of the rod is

and find the reaction at the upper end. Hence, show that tan =

4
2
3

. (A.L. 2007)

W cos
3 ,

6.

A uniform ladder AB of length 2a and weight W rests with one end A on a rough horizontal floor and
the other end B against a rough vertical wall, being the coefficient of friction at both ends of the

ladder. The ladder is inclined to the floor at an angle

and a small cat of weight nW gently

climbs up the ladder, starting from A. Show that, in the limiting position of equilibrium of the ladder,

the cat has climbed a distance

Given further that =

slips, if n <

1
4

a
[ 2 (1+2 n ) +2 ( 1+ n )1 ] along the ladder.
2
n ( 1+ )

1
2 , show that the cat can reach the top of the ladder before the ladder

. What happens if n =

1
4

? (A.L.- 2006)
(P.T.O.)

7.

A particle A, of weight W, resting on a rough horizontal floor is attached to one end of a light
inextensible string wound round a right circular cylinder of radius a and weight W, that rests on the
floor, touching it along a generator through a point B. The other end of the string is fastened to the
cylinder. The vertical plane through the string is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, passes
through the center of gravity of the cylinder and intersects the floor along AB, as shown in the figure.
The string is just taut and makes an angle with AB. The floor is rough enough to prevent the
cylinder from moving at B. A couple of moment G is applied to the cylinder so that the particle is in
limiting equilibrium. If is the coefficient of friction between the particle and the floor, show that the

tension in the string is

W
(cos + sin )

By taking moments about B, find the value of G.

8.

(A.L. 2005)
A ladder whose centre of gravity is at a distance b from the foot, stands on a rough horizontal ground
and leans in equilibrium against a rough cylindrical pipe of radius r, fixed on the ground. The ladder
projects the beyond the point of contact with the pipe and is perpendicular to the axis of the pipe. Let
be the angle of friction at both points where friction acts and 2

( b<r cot ) be the inclination

of the ladder to the horizontal. A load of weight equal to that of the ladder is suspended from a point
at a distance x measured along the ladder from its foot. The ladder is in limiting equilibrium at both
2
points where friction acts. Show that ( b+ x ) sin cos 2 =r sin cos . (A.L. 2004)

9.

Two uniform rods AB and BC of same length but with different weights W 1and W2(>W2) respectively,
are freely jointed together at B. The system stands in a vertical plane with A and C on rough

horizontal table. Show that equilibrium is possible if and only if (W1+W2) tan (3W1+W2),
where is the coefficient of friction between the table and the rods, and is the angle that each rod
10

makes with the vertical.

The foot of a uniform ladder weight 2w and length 4a rests on a rough horizontal ground, and the top

of the ladder rests against a smooth vertical wall. The ladder is in equilibrium in a vertical plane,
making an angle with the downward vertical . The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the
ground is .
(a) Show that a man of weight 6w can climb safely to the top of the ladder provided that

7
8

tan.

(b) Suppose that = 6

and <

3
8

(i).Show that the minimum couple required to be applied to the ladder, for a man to climb safely
to the top of the ladder is 8aw.
11

(ii).Find the maximum distance that he can climb along the ladder, carrying a weight of w.
A uniform ladder AB of weight W and length 2a rests in limiting equilibrium with one end on a rough

horizontal floor and the other end against a rough vertical wall, inclined at an angle to the vertical.

If the coefficient of friction at both ends is , prove that tan =

2
12 .

4. A block of weight 30N is placed on a rough plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where tan =
3
4 . A force PN is applied to the block parallel to the plane. The coefficient of friction between the block

and the plane is

1
3 . Find the least value of P such that the block is prevented from

(a) slipping down the plane.

(b) moving up the plane.