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 MARKS 1

F R IC TIO N
3
3 .1. CON T ACT FORCE
When two bodies are kept in contact, electromagnetic forces act between the charged particles at the
surfaces of the bodies. As a result, each body exerts a contact force on the other.

3 .2 . FRI CT I ON
The perpendicular component of the contact force is called the normal contact force and the parallel
component is called friction.
Friction is not a fundamental force, as it is derived from electromagnetic force between charged
particles, including electrons, protons, atoms and molecules and so cannot be calculated from first
principles, but instead must be found empirically. When contacting surfaces move relative to each other,
the friction between the two surfaces converts kinetic energy into thermal energy or heat.
Contrary to earlier explanation, kinetic friction is now understood not to be caused by surface
roughness but by chemical bonding between the surfaces.
Surface roughness and contact area, however, do affect kinetic friction for micro-and nano-scale
objects where surface area forces dominate inertial forces.

3 .3 T YPES OF FRICT ION

Fj = Force of friction

F
W

Ff = øN

N
1. Kinetic friction
2. Static friction

Co e f f i c i e n t o f f r i c t i o n
The coefficient of friction (COF), also known as a frictional coefficient or friction coefficient, symbolized
by the Greek letter ø, is a dimensionless scalar value which describes the ratio of the force of friction
between two bodies and the force pressing them together.
The coefficient of friction depends on the materials used; for example, ice on steel has a low coefficient
of friction, while rubber on pavement has a high coefficient of friction. Coefficients of friction range from
near zero to greater than oneăunder good conditions, a tire on concrete may have a coefficient of friction
of 1.7.

FRICTION
2 MARKS

3 .4 L A WS OF FRI CT I ON
1. If the bodies slip over each other, the force of friction is given by

 k   kN
Where
 k is the force of friction
N is the normal contact force
øk is the coefficient of friction between the surfaces
2. The direction of kinetic friction on a body is opposite to the velocity of this body with respect
to the body applying the force of friction.
3. If the bodies do not slip over each other, the force of friction is given by
 s = øsN
(Causing Movement)

Static Friction Dynamic Friction

Net Force

e
orc
F
et
N
f = Friction force Fapp = Applied force
Applied Force (Fapp ) = ø.N
Friction Force
Fr
ic
iot
n
Fo
rc
e

N = Normal force between object and surface

=A
pp
li e
d
Fo
rc
e

Fs =øsN fd =ødN
where
Fs = static force of friction
øs = coefficient of static friction between the bodies
N = normal force between them
The direction and magnitude of static friction are such that the condition of no slipping between
the bodies is ensured.
If the applied force is small, the friction force will be equal to it. As the applied force is
increased friction force also increases to a maximum limit and if additional force is applied the
bodies start slipping.
4. The frictional force fk or fs does not depend on the areas of contact. It depend on normal
contact force only.

3 .5 T H E N ORM A L FORCE
Block on a ramp (top) and corresponding free body diagram of just the block (bottom).
The normal force is defined as the net force compressing two parallel surfaces together, and its

FRICTION
 MARKS 3

direction is perpendicular to the surfaces. In the simple case of a mass resting on a horizontal surface,
the only component of the normal force is the force due to gravity, where. In this case, the magnitude
of the friction force is the product of the mass of the object, the acceleration due to gravity, and the
coefficient of friction. However, the coefficient of friction is not a function of mass or volume; it depends
on the material. For instance, a large aluminium block has the same coefficient of friction as a small
aluminium block. However, the magnitude of the friction force itself depends on the normal force, and
hence the mass of the block.
If an object is on a level surface and the force tending to cause it to slide is horizontal, the normal
force between the object and the surface is just its weight, which is equal to its mass multiplied by the
acceleration due to earthÊs gravity, g. If the object is on a tilted surface such as an inclined plane, the
normal force is less, because less of the force of gravity is perpendicular to the face of the plane.
Therefore, the normal force, and ultimately the frictional force, is determined using vector analysis,
usually via a free body diagram. Depending on the situation, the calculation of the normal force may
include forces other than gravity.
A block on a ramp

Free body diagram

of just the block

j
i

Ff

Ex a m p l e 1
Find the minimum force which needs to applied to the Y
incline of mass M having a cube of mass m placed on its
rough surface with ø = (2 tan  ). So that the block m starts
to slide. m
F
X
O
M
Z
FRICTION
4 MARKS

Solution :
Let us first Calculate the acceleration
 F 
When the blocks are not sliding against each other, a   
m  M 
 Pseudo force = m a (ă i) {on block m}

 mF 
=  m  M   i  90ă
 
mgsin
Parallel forces to the plane are mg
mF
mg sin  and
  M
m a
2 N
 mF 
 mg sin 
2
 (Resultant Force) Fr   
 m  M ma mgcos
for just sliding Fr = fs (max)
mg
2 mgsin
 mF 
    mg cos  
2
(mg sin ) 2 + 
 m  M 

  mg cos   2   mg sin   2   m  M  2
 F    Ans.
m2

Ex a m p l e 2
Find :
(a) acceleration of each block.
(b) tension with string T. m 2m
A B
(c) friction forces.
øA = 2/ 3 øB = 1/ 3

45Ĉ 45Ĉ
Solution :
Concept : The block starts sliding down the plane if
2 mg sin 45Ĉ > fs (max)B + fs (max)A + mg sin 45Ĉ
OR component weights along the inertia > maximum static friction.

Net pulling force > Net retarding force

First frictional force balance the component of wt. down the plane if it cannot, then tension is
provided by string.
Concept : First frictional force balances the component of weight down the plane, if it
cannot, then tension is provided by string
In this case

FRICTION
 MARKS 5

Net pulling force = (2mg sin 45Ĉ ă mg sin 45Ĉ)

Net retarding force = øB (2 mg cos 45) + (mg cos 45Ĉ)øA
4
= mg cos45Ĉ
3
 Net pulling force < net retarding force
Block will remain stationary.
Now to find the tension in the string follow these steps :
To be applied only when limiting frictional force is more than pulling force.
There are 3 cases :
(1) If comp. of wt. of each block along the surface is less than its limiting friction, then T = 0
WA (s) < f s (max) A
WB (s) < f s (max) B
 T= 0
(2) If comp. of wt. of one block is more than than fs (max)
WB (s) > fB (max)
but W A (s) < fA (max)
then to find tension
start solving from the block whose comp. of wt is greater (i.e. block fs (B))
T = WB ă fB (max)
 fA = |T ă WA (s)|
(3) If WB (s) > fs (max) B
WA (s) > f s (max) A
then start solving from that block whose
Ws ă fs (max) is greater.
Now, in this question, this is 3rd case
1
2mg sin  ă 2 mg cos  = T {For Block B}
3

2mg  1
 1  3   T
2  

 2 2mg  T T+f
 T 
 3
 
Frictional force in block B = ø 2mg cos  A B

2 mg  2 mg  f + mg sin 45Ĉ 2mg sin 45Ĉ

  
3 2  3 
=

frictional force in block A = (mg sin  ă T)

mg 4mg
= 
2 2(3)
mg  4   mg mg
=  1  3  = (down the plane)
2   3 2 3 2

FRICTION
6 MARKS

Ex a m p l e 3
F is applied at lower block. Find acceleration of 5kg ø s = 0.4
each block and friction acting when øk = 0.3
(i) F = 45 N
10kg F
(ii) F = 75 N
smooth
Solution : Concept : How to solve such questions?
(1) Find the maximum acceleration for which these will be not slipping between the blocks.
This can be obtained by

f s  max
amax = for that block which is moved by friction only.
m
(2) Find common acceleration from the given force for which slipping will take place.
(3) If a common > a max, slipping takes place and the block slip against each other with different
acceleration, otherwise acceleration is same.
5kg øs = 0.4
øk = 0.3 N N
FBD øv
F
10kg
øN
mg mg
 N 
 amax =   for smaller block
 m 

0.4   mg
=  4 m/s2
m

 F   45 
acommon =  m  M    15   3m/s
2
(i)
   
 acommon < amax
 bodies with same acceleration = 3 m/s2

 F   75  2
(ii) acommon =  m  M    15   5m/s
   
acmmon > amax
 blocks slip against each other
F ă øN = 10 a
økN = 5a 2
 kN  5  10
 a2 =    0.3    3m/s 2
 5  5
F ă 15 = 1.0 a1

60
a1 =  6m/s2
10
FRICTION
 MARKS 7

Now, on same set up, solve the following with

R
(i) F = 25 N (b)
(ii) F = 45 N F
øR
FBD
 R   0.4  5  10 mg
amax    2m/s 2
M 10
N0
øR
 28 
  a  5 / 3  m/s
2 R
(I) acommon = 
 15 

acommon < amax mg

the block do not slip and have common acceleration = 2 m/s.

 45 
(II) acommon     3m/s2
 15 

acommon > amax

 block slip against each other
fK = økR = Ma 1

a1 
0.3   5  10
  1.5m/s 2
10

F  15
a2   6m/s2
5
(III) On same set up, now solve for
F = 45 N
F = 90 N

5kg øR
(b) R
øs = 0.2
10kg F
øk = 0.2
øsR
(a) mg
(c)
  R
amax   s   4m/s 2
 m 

F  fk F   0.1 150

(i) acommon = m  m 
  15

45  15
=  2m/s2
15
acommon < amax
 blocks will move with same acceleration = 2m/s.

FRICTION
8 MARKS

 F  fk  90  15
(ii) acommon     5m/s2
m M  15

a common > amax

øk R = ma2

fk  0.3  50
 a2 =   3m/s2
m 5

F  15  15  90  30  2
 a1     6m/s
M  10 
(a) (b)
(IV) On same set up, now solve for F FBD
N
(i) F = 25 N F
øs R = 50 ï 0.4 = 20
(ii) F = 45 N
 fs (max) surface > fs (max) block
the lower block will not move against the surface
whatsoever is the force on upper block.

Ex a m p l e 4
In the given arrangement, find the time after which the two block collide.

ø s = 0.4 øs = 0.2
ø k = 0.3 1kg 1kg øk = 0.1

F = 19N
M = 5 kg
smooth

l = 1m
Solution : Check which of the blocks will slip relative to the plank.
For block A
N FBD

øs
mg

øs N = 0.4 ï 10 = 4 N

  s mg  2
amax =    4m/s
 m 

For block B :
N FBD

øs N
amax = 2m/s2 {Calculated similarly as for block A}
mg
FRICTION
 MARKS 9

F 19  19 
 Now a common =     m/s2  2.7 m/s2
M  ma  mb 5  1  1  7 

 Block B will slip relative to plank while block A will remain stationary relative to plank

  F  fk   19  1 
Now, a plank     3m/s2
 M  ma  5 1



a block   1m/s2  F


Let abP be the acceleration of block with respect to plank

 abP  ( 1)  3
= ă 2 m/s2
2l 2
  1s
 time taken = 
2
a bP

3 .6 B A N K I N G OF ROA DS
There are three additional aspects of negotiating a curve. First, what if, we want to negotiate curve
at a higher speed. Second, how to make driving safer without attracting limiting conditions as tires may
have been flattened (whose grooves have flattened), or friction may decrease due to any other reasons
like rain or mud. Third, we want to avoid sideway friction to prolong life of the tires. The answer to
these lie in banking of the curved road.
For banking, one side of the road is elevated from horizontal like an incline or wedge. In this case,
the component of normal force in horizontal direction provides the centripetal force as required for the
motion along the curved path. On the other hand, component of normal force in vertical direction
balances the weight of the vehicle. It is clear that magnitude of normal reaction between road and
vehicle is greater than the weight of the vehicle.
Banking of roads
Y

N Ncos


Nsin
X

a1
mg

Fig. : The horizontal component of normal force meets the requirement of centripetal

FRICTION
10 MARKS

Here, we compute the relation between the angle of banking (which is equal to the angle of incline)
for a given speed and radius of curvature is :
N cos  = m g
and

mv 2
N sin  =
r
Taking ratio,

tan  = v2 / rg,   v = rg tan 

This expression represents the speed at which the vehicle does not skid (up or down) along the
banked road for the given angle of inclination (). It means that centripetal force is equal to the
resultant of the system of forces acting on the vehicle. Importantly, there is no friction involved in this
consideration for the circular motion of the vehicle.

Ex a m p l e 5
An aircraft hovers over a city awaiting clearance to land. The aircraft circles with its wings
banked at an angle tan ă 1 (0.2) at a speed of 200 m/s. Find the radius of the loop.
Solution : The aircraft is banked at an angle with horizontal. Since aircraft is executing uniform
circular motion, a net force on the aircraft should act normal to its body. The component of this normal
force in the radial direction meets the requirement of a centripetal force, whereas vertical component
the weight of aircraft. Thus, this situation is analogous to the banking of road.

v2 v2
tan   ,r 
rg g tan 
r = 2002 / (10 ï 0.2) = 20000 m

3 .6 .1 Ro l e o f f r i c t i o n i n b a n k i n g
The moot question is whether banking of road achieves the objects of banking? Can we negotiate the
curve with higher speed than when the road is not banked? In fact, the expression of speed as derived
in earlier section gives the angle of banking for a particular speed. It is the speed for which the
component of normal towards the center of circle matches the requirement of centripetal force.
If speed is less than the specified by the expression, then vehicle
will skid „down‰ (slip or slide) across the incline as there is net y
force along the incline of the bank. This reduces the radius of
curvature i.e. „r‰ is reduced-such that the relation of banking is
N
held true :

v =  (r g tan ) a1
x

øs N
mg

Banking of road

FRICTION
 MARKS 11

In reality, however, the interacting are not smooth. We can see that if friction, acting „up‰ across
the bank, is sufficient to hold the vehicle from sliding down, then vehicle will move along the circular
path without skidding „down‰.
What would happen if the vehicle exceeds the specified for a given angle of banking? Clearly, the
requirement of centripetal force exceeds the component of normal force in the radial direction. As such
the vehicle will have tendency to skid „up‰ across the bank.
Again friction prevents skidding „up‰ of the vehicle across the bank. This time, the friction acts
downward across the bank as shown in the figure.
In the nutshell, we see that banking helps to prevent skidding „up‰ across the bank due to the
requirement of centripetal force. The banking enables component of normal force in the horizontal
direction to provide for the requirement of centripetal force upto a certain limiting (maximum) speed.
Simultaneously, the banking induces a tendency for the vehicle to skid „down‰ across the bank. The
state of friction is summarized here :
On the other hand, friction prevents skidding „up‰ across the bank. This is possible as friction
changes direction opposite to the tendency of skidding either „up‰ or „down‰ across the bank. The state
of friction is summarized here :
1 : v = 0; fs = m g sin , acting up across the bank
2 : v = r g tan ; fs = 0
3 : v < r g tan ; fs > 0, acting up across the bank
4 : v > r g tan ; fs > 0, acting down across the bank
Friction, therefore, changes its direction depending upon whether the vehicle has tendency to skid
„down‰ or „up‰ across the bank. Starting from zero speed, we can characterize friction in following
segments (i) friction is equal to the component of weight along the bank, „m g sin ,‰ when vehicle is
stationary (ii) friction decreases as the speed increases (iii) friction becomes zero as speed equal. „r g
tan  (iv) friction changes direction as speed becomes greater than „r g tan ‰ (v) friction increases till
the friction is equal to limiting friction as speed further increases and (vi) friction becomes equal to
kinetic friction when skidding takes place.

3 .6 .2 M a x i m u m s p e e d a l o n g t h e b a n k e d r o a d
In previous section, we discussed various aspects of banking. In this section, we seek to find the
maximum speed with which a banked curve can be negotiated. We have seen that banking, while
preventing upward skidding, creates situation in which the vehicle can skid downward at lower speed.
The design of bank, therefore, needs to consider both these aspects. Actually, roads are banked
with a small angle of inclination only. It is important as greater angle will induce tendency for the
vehicle to overturn. For small inclination of the bank, the tendency of the vehicle to slide down is
ruled out as friction between tyres and road is usually much greater to prevent downward skidding
across the road.
In practice, it is the skidding „up‰ across the road that is the prime concern as threshold speed limit
can be breached easily. The banking supplements the provision of centripetal force, which is otherwise
provided by the friction on a flat road. As such, banking can be seen as a mechanism either (i) to
increase the threshold speed limit or (ii) as a safety mechanism to cover the risk involved due to any
eventually like flattening of tyres or wet roads etc. In fact, it is the latter concern that prevails.

FRICTION
12 MARKS

In the following paragraph, we set out to determine the maximum speed with which a banked road
can be negotiated. It is obvious that maximum speed corresponds to limiting friction that acts in the
downward direction as shown in the figure.

V > (rg tan)

fs

The horizontal component of normal force and friction together meet the
requirement of centripetal force.
Force analysis in the vertical direction :
N cos  - ø sin = m g N (cos - øs sin ) = m g
Force analysis in the horizontal direction :

mv 2 mv 2
N sin  - øs N cos = , N  sin    s cos   
r r
Taking ratio of two equations, we have :

v2 2
g (sin  + øs cos ) (cos  - øs sin ) = , v  r g (sin  + ø s cos ) (cos  - øs sin ),
r

v r g tan   s 1  s tan  

3 .7 B EN DI N G B Y A CY CL I ST
We have seen that a cyclist bends towards the center in order to move along a circular path. Like
in the case of car, he could have depended on the friction between tires and the road. But then he would
be limited by the speed. Further, friction may not be sufficient as contact surface is small. We can also
see „bending‰ of cyclist at greater speed as an alternative to banking used for four wheeled vehicles,
which can not be bent.
The cyclist increases speed without skidding by leaning towards the center of circular path. The sole
objective of bending here is to change the direction and magnitude of normal force such that horizontal
component of the normal force provides for the centripetal force, whereas vertical component balances
the „cycle and cyclist‰ body system.
N cos  = m g
N sin  = m v2 / r

Ex a m p l e 6
A turn of radius 20 m is banked for the vehicle of mass 200 kg going at a speed of 10 m/s. Find
the direction and magnitude of frictional force acting on a vehicle if it moves with a speed
(a) 5 m/s (b) 15 m/s. Assume that friction is sufficient to prevent slipping. g = 10 m/s2 .

FRICTION
 MARKS 13

Solution : (a) The turn is banked for speed v = 10 m/s

v2 10   1 2

Therefore, tan  
rg (20)(10) 2

Now, as the speed is decreased, force of friction f acts upwards.

Using the equations

mv2
 Fx 
r
and  Fy  0, we get
y
N f

mv 2  x
N sin  ă f cos  = ...(i) 
r mg
N cos  + f sin  = mg ... (ii) 

1 
Substituting,  = tană1  2  , v = 5 m/s, m = 200 kg and r = 20 m, in the above equations, we get
 

f = 300 5 N (outwards)
(b) In the second case force of friction f will act downwards.

mv2
Using  Fx  r
and  F y  0, we get N


mv 2 
N sin  ă f cos  = ...(iii) mg
r f
N cos  + f sin  = mg ... (iv) 

 1
Substituting,  = tan ă1   , v = 15 m/s, m = 200 kg and r = 20 m,
 2

In the above equations, we get

f = 300 5 N (outwards) Ans.

3 .8 ‘DEA T H WEL L’ OR ROTOR

In case of Âdeath wellÊ a person drives a bicycle on a vertical r
f
surface of a large wooden well while in case of a rotor at a N
f
certain angular speed of rotor a person hangs resting against
N r
the wall without any support from the bottom. In death well mg
mg
walls are at rest and person revolves while in case of rotor
person is at rest and the walls rotate.
(A) (B)
Death Well Rotor
FRICTION
14 MARKS

In both cases friction balances the weight of person while reaction provides the centripetal force for
circular motion, i.e.
f = mg
mv2
and N  mr 2  v  r 
r
Ce n t r i f u g a l Fo r c e
As we have already discussed, the NewtonÊs laws are valid only in inertial frames. In non-inertial


frames a pseudo force  m a has to be applied on a particle of mass m ( a = acceleration or frame of
reference). After applying the pseudo force one can apply NewtonÊs laws in their usual form. Now
suppose a frame of reference is rotating with constant angular velocity  in a circle of radius ÂrÊ. Then
it will become a non-inertial frame of acceleration r2 towards the centre. Now, if we seen an object of
mass ÂmÊ from this frame then obviously a pseudo force of magnitude mr2 will have to be applied to
this object in a direction away from the centre. This pseudo force is called the centrifugal force. After
applying this force we can now apply NewtonÊs laws in their usual form. Following example will illustrate
the concept more clearly.

Ex a m p l e 7
A particle of mass m is placed over a horizontal circular table rotating with an angular
Ê about a vertical axis passing through its centre. The distance of the object from
velocity Â
the axis is r. Find the force of friction f between the particle and the table.
Solution : Let us solve this problem from both frames. The one is a frame fixed on ground and the other
is a frame fixed on table itself.

 N

N = normal reaction
r f mg = weight

f = force of friction

mg

From frame of reference fixed on ground (inertial)

Here, N will balance its weight and the force of friction ÂfÊ will provide the necessary centripetal
force.
Thus, f = mr2 Ans.
N
From frame of reference fixed on table itself (non-inertial)
In the free body diagram of particle with respect to table, in addition to above mr2
three forces (N, mg and f) a pseudo force f

mg

FRICTION
 MARKS 15

Example 8 : A coin of mass m is placed on a rough horizontal disc 

which starts rotating at t = 0 with constant angular acceleration
a, about a vertical axis passing through the centre.
(a) Find the time after which the coin starts slipping rela- d
tive to the disc. ø
(b) Also find the number of revolution made by the disc at
this moment.
Solution : FBD [analysis from the disc]

 m d 
2
  m d 
2 2
F net  = m 4 d2  2 d 2

Now, md 4  2  mg N z
(m 2d) x
 g 2  2 1/ 4 y
   2   2  mg
 (m d)
(Psevdo force)
 d 

1/ 4
1   2 g2 
 2   
2
 time when the coin starts slipping =
  d 

(b) No. of revolutions made by the disc upto this instant

 
 2
max 
2 

  2max 
 n  
2   4 
Note : The same analysis can be performed from the ground frame also.

(B) Analysis from the ground frame :

Both of these forces must be provided by friction only, since friction is the only horizontal force in
the plane of disc.

f  (m2d )2  (md )2 

f  øN
md
 (m 2d ) 2  (m d) 2   mg

The result can now be calculated as done in the above part m2 d

FRICTION
16 MARKS

Ex a m p l e 9
A simple pendulum is constructed by attaching a bob of mass m to a string of length L fixed
at its upper end. The bob oscillates in a vertical circle. It is found that the speed of the bob
is v when the string makes an angle  with the vertical. Find the tension in the string and
the magnitude of net force on the bob at that instant.
Solution : (i) The forces acting on the bob are :
(a) the tension T
(b) the weight mg
mv 2
As the bob moves in a circle of radius L with centre at O. A centripetal force of magnitude is
L
required towards O. This force will be provided by the resultant of T and mg cos . Thus,

mv 2
or T  mg cos 
L 

 T
v2 
T  m  g cos   Ans.
 L 

mg sin 
2 mg cos 
  mv2  v4 mg
(ii) Fnet  mg sin   2
  2 2
  m g sin   2 Ans.
 L  L

Ex a m p l e 1 0
A hemispherical bowl of radius R is rotating about its axis of symmetry which is kept vertical.
A small ball kept in the bowl rotates with the bowl without slipping on its surface. If the
surface of the bowl is smooth and the angle made by the radius through the ball with the
vertical is  . Find the angular speed at which the bowl is rotating.
Solution : Let  be the angular speed of rotation of the bowl. Two forces are acting on the ball.
1. normal reaction N
2. weight mg
The ball is rotating in a circle of radius r (= R sin ) with centre at A at an angular speed . Thus,
N sin  = mr2 = mR2 sin  ...(i)
and N cos  = mg ...(ii)
Dividing Eqs. (i) by (ii), we get

1  2R

cos  g R
N
r A
g
  Ans. mg
R cos 

FRICTION
 MARKS 17

Ex a m p l e 1 1
Two blocks of mass m 1 = 10kg and m 2 = 5 kg connected to each other by a massless inextensible
string of length 0.3 m are placed along a diameter of the turn table. The coefficient of friction
between the table and m 1 is 0.5 while there is no friction between m2 and the table. The table
is rotating with an angular velocity of 10 rad/s about a vertical axis passing through its
centre O. The masses are placed along the diameter of the table on either side of the centre
O such that the mass m1 is at a distance of 0.124 m from O. The masses are observed to be
at rest with respect to an observer on the turn table. (g = 9.8 m/s2 )
(i) Calculate the frictional force on m 1.
(ii) What should be the minimum angular speed of the turn table so that the masses will
slip from this position?
(iii) How should the masses be placed with the string remaining taut so that there is no
frictional force acting on the mass m 1?
Solution : Given m1 = 10 kg, m2 = 5 kg,  = 10 rad/s
r = 0.3 m, r 1 = 0.124 m
r 2 = r ă r1 = 0.176 m
(i) Masses m 1 and m2 are at rest with respect to rotating table. Let f be

the friction between mass m1 and table. m1 r r2 m2
1

Free body diagram of m1 and m2 with respect to table (non inertial frame)
r
of reference are shown in figure).
Equilibrium of m2 gives

F1 = m1 r1 2
(Pseudo force)
m2 m1 f
T T

T = m 2r22 ...(i)
2 2
Since, m2r 2 < m1 r1 (m 2r 2 < m1r 1)
and friction on m 1 will be inwards (towards centre)
Equilibrium of m1 gives f + T = m1r 12 ...(ii)
2 2
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get f =  ă m 2r2
= (m1 r1 ă m2 r2)2 ...(iii)
= (10 ï 0.124 ă 5 ï 0.176)(100) newton
f = 36 N
Therefore, frictional force on m1 is 36 N (inwards).
(ii) From Eq. (iii)
f = ( m 1r 1 ă m2r2 )2
Masses will start slipping when this force is greater than fmax or
(m 1r1 ă m 2r 2)2 > f max
> øm1 g

FRICTION
18 MARKS

 Minimum value of  is
m1g 0.5  10  9.8
 min  
m1 r1  m2 r2 10 0.124  5  0.176

min = 11.67 rad/s
(iii) From Eq. (iii), frictional force f = 0 when m1r 1 = m2r 2

r1 m 5 1
or  2   r = r 1 + r 2 = 0.3 m
r2 m1 10 2 and

i.e., mass m2 should be placed at 0.2 m and m 1 at 0.1 m from the centre O.

Ex a m p l e 1 2
A cyclist moves along the circumference of a horizontal circular plane road. The track has
a radius R and is centred at D. The friction coeff. varies with distance from centre O as
 r
  0  1   .
 R 
r is the distance from center O. Find maximum speed of cyclist without skidding.

 mv2 

Solution : s  r  {Centrifugal force will be balanced only by force of friction}
f
 

 mv2 
At, fs (max) = ømg, mg   r   v  rg 
 
{For speed to be max, fs(max) has to be used}
R
 r  r
v   0  1   rg  v 2   0  1   rg
 R  R 
r
Now, v2 is maximum at r, given by O

d v2    rg  1  2r   0
0  R 
dr 

d2
 r  
R
/2 ,
dr 2
v   0
2

 
vmax  0 1  R / 2  R
/2 g

0 Rg
=
4

1
=  0R g
2

FRICTION
 MARKS 19

So m e I m p o r t a n t Ca s e s
Questions involving finding the minimum and maximum value for the friction under given conditions.
(1) For minimum , f is up the surface
for maximum , f is down the surface [ slipping tendency is outwards]
Rotating Bowl


N
m 2d
mg

(2) For a min friction acts towards right (on 1) For a max friction acts left (on 1)

Slipping tendency Slipping tendency

1 1
a min amin

(3) Banking of roads

V2 V 2/
/R R
N N
fs

mg fs mg

For vmin to avoid skidding For v max to avoid skidding friction

friction acts up the plane acts down the plane.

Ex a m p l e 1 3
a0
A plank of mass M is placed on a rough inclined plane of inclination  .
m
A man runs on the plank, down the incline with constant acceleration.
ø
Find the minimum and maximum acceleration. of the man so that M
plank remains stationary relative to the inclined plane.
Drawing F.B.D. of man 

Solution : N = mg cos  (1) a

fs + mg sin  = ma0
fs = (ma0 ă mg sin ) (2) fs
{Since the man is walking down the
(a) Now for (amin), plane, friction will act on him down
mg sin  > fs wards which pushes him down}
(slipping tendency will be down the plane)

FRICTION
20 MARKS

In equilibrium fs1
fs
Mg sin  ă fs = f s1 (max) = øN0 N
N0 = N + (Mg cos )
Mg sin  ă (ma0 ă mg sin ) = ø (mg cos  + Mg cos )
mg
 m  M g
 amin 
m
sin    cos  fs

(b) For amax ; (slipping tendency up the plane) N

m  M  g
amax 
m
sin    cos   f1
mg

T y p e : Ch a i n Pr o b l e m s

Ex a m p l e 1 4
Uniform chain of mass m and length 2 l is placed over a smooth horizontal peg as shown. The
chain is released from rest. After what time will chain leave the peg?
(Neglect the length of chain over peg.)
Solution : At any other instant, let the chain has shifted a length x from lighter side to heavier side.
Let  be mass per unit length of the Chain

m
i.e.    =
2l
l l ăx
2 2
3l 3l + x
2 2

Now, acceleration

 3l   3l 
a    x  g    x g
 2   2 
  2l

 vdv   l  2 x g
 
 dx  2l

v x
g
 vdv  2l  l  2x dx
0 0

2 x
 v2   g   l  2 x 
    
 2l   4 l  2
0

FRICTION
 MARKS 21

 g
v2     l  2x  l2 
2

 4 l  

 g
v      l  2 x   l2 
2
   (1)
 4l 

Now, to find time

l /
2 t
dx
dx
V  
  dt
dt
   0
  l  2 x 2  l2  0


t
g
= 4l  dt
0

l /
2
1   l 
g
ln   l  2 x   l  2 x
2 2
 t
2  0 4l

 t
l
g
ln 2   3 
Time taken for the chain to fall off the peg

 =
l
g
ln 2   3 
Ex a m p l e 1 5
A small bar starts sliding down an inclined plane forming an angle  with the horizontal. The
friction coefficient depends on the distance x covered as ø = kx, where k is a constant. Find
the distance covered by the bar till it stops, and its maximum velocity over this distance.
Solution : Along the incline
mg sin  ă kx mg cos  = ma
or a = g sin  ă kxg cos  ...(i)
where a is the acceleration of bar.
We can write a = v dv/dx,
v x
or 0 v dv  
0
 g sin   kxg cos  dx

v 2 x sin   kx 2
cos  g ...(ii)

It can be seen that the velocity again becomes zero after covering a distance x = 2 tan a/k

FRICTION
22 MARKS

2 tan
Therefore, the distance covered by the bar till it stops is Ans.
k
Further, the maximum velocity of the bar will be at
a= 0

tan
or x from Eq. (i)
k
Substituting this in Eq. (ii), maximum velocity

 2sin tan tan2  cos 

vm     g
 k k 

g
or vm  tan  sin  Ans.
k

Ex a m p l e 1 6
Consider the situation shown in figure. The horizontal surface A
below the bigger block is smooth. The coefficient of friction m
between the blocks is ø. Find the minimum and the maximum
F
force F that can be applied in order to keep the smaller blocks Mass = M
m B
at rest with respect to the bigger block.
Solution : Suppose the minimum force needed to prevent slipping
between the blocks is F.
Considering A + B + C as the system, the acceleration of the system is

F
a
M  2m

Now, consider the FBD of A. The forces on A shown in figure are :

(i) tension T by the string towards right,
N T + f´
(ii) friction f by the block C towards left,
(iii) weight mg downward and a a

(iv) normal force N upwards. f T N´

For vertical equilibrium N = mg
As the minimum force needed to prevent slipping mg
mg
is applied, the friction is limiting. Thus
FBD of A FBD of B
f = øN = ømg
As the block moves towards right with an acceleration a
T ă f = ma
or, T ă ømg = ma ...(ii)

FRICTION
 MARKS 23

Now, consider the FBD of B. The forces on B shown in figure are :

(i) tension T upwards,
(ii) weight mg downward,
(iii) normal force NÊ towards right, and
(iv) friction fÊ upwards.
As the block moves towards right with an acceleration a,
NÊ = ma
As the friction is limiting, fÊ = øNÊ = ø ma ...(iii)
For vertical equilibrium T + fÊ = mg
1
Solving these equations, we get a min  g
1
When a large force is applied the block A slips on C towards left and the block B slips on C in the
upward direction. The friction on A is towards right and that on B is downwards. Solving as above, the
acceleration in this case is
1
amax  g
1

1  1
Thus, a lies between g and g
1  1
From Eq. (i) the force F should lie between
1 1
M  2 m g and  M  2m g Ans.
1 1

Ex a m p l e 1 7
Figure shows two blocks connected by a light string placed on the
two inclined parts of a triangular wedge. The coefficients of static
and kinetic friction are 0.28 and 0.25 respectively at each of the
surfaces. (a) Find the minimum and maximum values of m for m 2kg
which the system remains at rest. (b) Find the acceleration of
either block if m is given the minimum value calculated in the 45Ĉ 45Ĉ
first part and is gently pushed up the incline for a short while g
= 10 m/s2 .
Solution : (a) Consider the 2 kg block as the system. The forces on this block are shown in figure with
M = 2 kg. It is assumed that m has its minimum value so that the 2 kg block has a tendency to slip
down. As the block is in equilibrium, the resultant force should be zero.
Applying LamiÊs theorem
T N
Mg Tf N
  90Ĉ
sin 90  sin 90   45   sin 90   45  f
90Ĉ + 45Ĉ
90Ĉ + 45Ĉ
Mg
or N
2
Mg

FRICTION
24 MARKS

Mg Mg
and T  f   s N
2 2

Mg  sMg
= 
2 2

Mg
or T   1   s ...(i)
2
Now, consider the other block as the system. The forces acting on this block are shown in figure.
Again applying LamiÊs theorem
N´ T
Mg T f' N'
 
sin90  sin 90   45   sin 90  45  90Ĉ
90Ĉ + 45Ĉ
Mg
N' 
2
mg
mg
T  f' 
2

mg mg mg mg
 T  f'   s N'   s
2 2 2 2

mg
Thus, T (1  s ) ...(ii)
2

From Eqs. (i) and (ii) m 1   s   M 1  us  ...(iii)

1  s  M 1  0.28 2 9 kg
or, m    Ans.
1  s  1  0.28 8
When maximum possible value of m is required, the directions of friction are reversed because m
has the tendency to slip down and 2 kg block to slip up. Thus, the maximum value of m can be obtained
from (iii) by putting øs = ă 0.28. Thus, the maximum value of m is

1  0.28 32
m  2 kg Ans.

1 0.28 9
(b) If m = 9/8 kg and the system is gently pushed, kinetic friction will operate. Thus,

Mg  kmg
f  k . and f '  ,
2 2
where øk = 0.25. If the acceleration is a, NewtonÊs second law for M gives
Mg sin 45Ĉ ă T ă f = Ma
Mg  k Mg
or, T   Ma ...(iv)
2 2

FRICTION
 MARKS 25

Applying NewtonÊs second law for m

T ă mg sin 45Ĉ ă f = ma

mg k mg
or, T   ma ...(v)
2 2

From. Eqs. (iv) and (v)

M 1   k   m 1   k 
or, a  g
2 M  m

2  0.75  9 / 8  1.25
= 2  2  9 / 8

= 0.21 m/s2 Ans.

Now, we have four unknowns T, N1, N 2 and a. Solving these four equations, we get

 2  3 
a  g
 7 

 2  3 
Therefore, acceleration of the bigger block of mass M is a   g
 7 

Ex a m p l e 1 8
Two blocks A and B of mass 2 kg and 4 kg are placed one over the
other as shown in figure. A time varying horizontal force F = 2t is
A F = 2t
applied on the upper block as shown in figure. Here t is in second
and F is in newton. Draw a graph showing accelerations of A and
B
B on y-axis and time on x-axis. Coefficient of friction between A and
1
B is   and the horizontal surface over which B is placed is
2
smooth. (g = 10 m/s2).
Solution : Limiting friction between A and B is

1 
f L  m Ag    2  10   10N
 2

Block B moves due to friction only. Therefore, maximum acceleration of B can be

fL 10
a max    2.5m/s 2
mB 4

Thus, both the blocks move together with same acceleration till the common acceleration becomes
2.5 m/s2, after that acceleration of B will become constant while that of A will go on increasing. To find
the time when the acceleration of both the blocks becomes 2.5 m/s2 (or when slipping will start between
A and B) we will write:

FRICTION
26 MARKS

F 2t
2.5  
mA  m B 6
A F = 2t B
t = 7.5 s fL = 10
fL = 10N
Hence, for t 7.5 s

F 2t t
a A  aB   
mA  mB 6 3

1
Thus, aA versus t or a B versus t graph is a straight line passing through origin of slope
3
aA or aB
For, t 7.5 s
aA
a B = 2.5 m/s2 = constant

F  fL
and aA  45Ĉ
mA 2.5 m/s 2 aB
aB
aA= 1
tan  = 3
2 t  10  t
or aA  or a A = t ă 5
2
Thus, aA versus t graph is a straight line of slope 1 and intercept ă 5. While a B versus t graph is
a straight line parallel to t axis. The corresponding graph is as shown in Fig. 3.194.

Ex a m p l e 1 9
Calculate the height upto which can insect can crawl up a fixed bowl in the form of a
hemisphere of radius r. Given, coefficient of friction is 1 3 .
Solution : As shown in the figure suppose the insect can crawl up the bowl upto point P. In doing so,
the insect rises through a height BA = h, above the bottom B of the bowl of radius r. Clearly, if W is
the weight of insect, then
N = W cos  O
f = W sin 
f y

From these two equations
P h
f f 
tan   . In limiting case f = øN or 
N N B
W cos  W sin 
1
Therefore, tan     or q = 30Ĉ
3

3r
 y = OP cos 30Ĉ =
2

Now, h = BA = OB ă OA = r ă y

3
or hr r  0.134 r Ans.
2
FRICTION
 MARKS 27

Ex a m p l e 2 0
A table with smooth horizontal surface is turning at an angular speed  about its axis A
groove is made on the surface along a radius and a particle is gently placed inside the groove
at a distance a from the centre. Find the speed of the particle with respect to the table as
its distance from the centre becomes L.
Solution : The situation is shown in figure.
ăZ
Let us work from the frame of reference of the table. Let us take
the origin at the centre of rotation O and the X-axis along the groove. 
The Y-axis is along the line perpendicular to OX, coplanar with the x
m 2x
surface of the table and the Z-axis is along the vertical. Suppose at O X
time t the particle in the groove is at a distance x from the origin and
is moving along the X-axis with a speed v. The forces acting on the
particle (including the pseudo force) are :
Y
(a) weight mg vertically downward,
(b) normal contact force N1 vertically upward by the bottom surface of the groove,
(c) normal contact force N2 parallel to the Y-axis by the side walls of the groove,
(d) centrifugal force m2 x along the X-axis
As the particle can only move in the groove, its acceleration is along the X-axis. The only force along
the X-axis is the centrifugal force m2 x. All the other forces are perpendicular to the X-axis and have
no components along the X-axis.
Thus, the acceleration along the X-axis is

F
a  2x
m

dv
or . v  2 x
dx

or v dv  2x dx

v L

or  v dv   2 x dx
0 a

v L
1 2  1 2 2 
or 2 v   2  x 
 0  0

v2 1 2 2
or
2
  L  a2
2
 
or v   L2  a 2 Ans.

FRICTION
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Ex a m p l e 2 1
A small disc is placed on a rough inclined plane having inclination  with v0
horizontal. An initial velocity v 0 is imparted to the disc as shown. O
Find the speed of disc as a function of , the angle made by velocity
and greatest slope line (given ø = tan  ).
Solution : Let vx be the velocity component along the line of greatest slope.
Writing the force eqn. along the line of greatest slope.

 dvx 
m    mg sin    fk cos 
 dt 

= (mg sin ) ă (ø mg cos ) cos 

= mg sin  ă (tan ) mg cos  cos 

 dvx 
 dt   g sin   1  cos 
 

 dv 
m    mg sin   cos   fk
 dt 

= (mg sin ) cos  ă (ømg cos )

 dv 
   g sin   cos   1
 dt 

vcos  v
 dv   dv 
  dt      dt 
  o  
0

v0
v
v cos  = (v0 ă v) 
1  cos  

Ex a m p l e 2 2
A man stands at the edge of a rotor which begins to move with an angular velocity . Find
minimum , so that man does not slip off the rotor when the base is removed.
Solution : fs = mg

N = m2r
fs  øN
mg ø m2r fs
N
 g
   
  r
mg

FRICTION
 MARKS 29

3 .9 M A X I M U M EL ON GA T I ON PRODU CED I N T H E SPRI N G

 a1  a2
F1 F2
m1 m2

Concept : Maximum elongation occur when the relative longitudinal velocity becomes zero.

a2 
F 2  kx 
m2

a1 
kx  F1 
m1

Let a12 be the acceleration of block 1 w.r.t. block 2

 a12  a1  a2

 kx  F1  F2  kx
=  m  
 1  m2

0 xmax xmax
F F   1 1 
  v12 dv12      2  1  dx 
 m2 m1 
 kx    dx
 m1 m2 
0 0 0

Note : dx1, 2 represent enlongation in spring.

 F F   1 1  x2 max
0 2  1  xmax  k    {v 12 = 0, for maximum elongation}
 m2 m1   m1 m2  2

 1 1  x 2max  F2 F 
 k     1  X max
 m1 m 2  2  m2 m1 

2  m2F1  m1F2 
xmax   
k  m1  m2 

Eq u i v a l e n t s t i f f n e s s o f s p r i n g s i n s e r i e s a n d p a r a l l e l
(A) Series Combination

K1 K2 K3
O m F
x1 A x2 B x3 C

(x1 + x2 + x3) = x ................(1)

FRICTION
30 MARKS

Balancing forces at A, B and C

k 1 x1 = k2x2
k 2 x2 = k3x 3  k1x 1 = k 2x2 = k3x3 = Keqx ................. (2)
When a spring is cut into several parts, the stiffness of each part will be increasily proportional to
its length.
Let the effective spring constant be Keq.
 (Keq) x = k3 x3
Substituting values from (2) in (1)

 K eqx   Keqx   K eqx 

    x
 k1  k2  k3 

1  1 1 1
    
Keq  k1 k2 k3 

(B) Parallel Combinations

Keqx = k1 x + k2x + k3x
Keq = (k 1 + k2 + k3 )

When a spring is cut into several parts, ther, stiffness of each part will be invericly proportional to
its length.

Ex a m p l e 2 3
A very small cube of mass m is placed on the inside of a funnel rotating about a vertical axis
at a constant rate of n revolutions per sec. The wall of the funnel makes an angle  with the
horizontal. If the coefficient of static friction between the cube and funnel is ø and the centre
of the cube is at a distance r from the axis of rotation, what are the largest and smallest
values of n for which the block will not move with respect to the funnel?
Solution : Figure shows the funnel with mass m. The different
forces on mass m (w.r.t. funnel) are :
(i) weight mg acting vertically downwards, m r N
(ii) centrifugal reaction force (mv2 /r) directed horizontally mv 2
 r 
outwards,  f
(iii) normal reaction N offered by the wall, and mg
(iv) frictional force f directed along the incline (when the
revolution is fast enough, the mass may slide upwards).
Since, the mass m is not to move, we have
mv2
N sin   mg cos   0 ...(i)
r

FRICTION
 MARKS 31

mv 2
f  mg sin   cos   0 ...(ii)
r

From Eq. (i), N = cos  + (mv 2/r) sin }

Now, f = øN = ø {mg cos  + (mv 2/r) sin } ...(iii)
Substituting the value of f from Eq. (iii) in Eq. (ii), we get
ø (mg cos  + (mv2 /r) sin } ă (mv2/r) cos  = ă mg sin 

mv2
or  sin   cos     mg sin    cos  
r

v2
or cos    sin    g sin    cos  
r

v 2 g sin    cos 
or  ...(iv)
r  cos   sin 
We know that, v =r = 2nr

4  2n 2r 2 g  sin    cos 
 
r cos   sin 

1 g  sin    cos 
or n2  .
4 2 r  cos    sin  

1 g sin    cos  
n . ...(v)
2 r  cos    sin 
This must be the maximum frequency allowed.
When the revolution is slow enough, the block may slide down. In this case the frictional force f will
be directed along the incline upwards.
So, replacing ø by ă ø in Eq. (v) the minimum frequency allowed will be

1 g  sin    cos  
n (vi)
2 rcos    sin  

1 g  sin    cos 
Hence, nmax 
2 r  cos   sin  

1 g  sin    cos 
nmin  Ans.
2 r  cos   sin 

FRICTION
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Ex a m p l e 2 4
In the figure, mass m1, m 2 and M are 20 kg, 5 kg and 50 kg P1
m1
respectively. The coefficient of friction between M and
ground is zero. The coefficient of friction between m1 and
M and that between m 2 and ground is 0.3. The pulleys and
the strings are massless. The string is perfectly horizontal P2 M F
between P1 and m 1 and also between P2 and m2 . The string m2
is perfectly vertical between P 1 and P2. An external
horizontal force F is applied to the mass M. Take g = 10 m/s2 .
(a) Draw a free body diagram of mass M clearly showing all the forces.
(b) Let the magnitude of the force of friction between m1 and M be f1 and that between
m 2 and ground be f 2 . For a particular F is it is found that f 1 = 2f2 . Find F, tension in the string
and acceleration of the masses.
T
Solution : Given, m1 = 20 kg, m2 = 5 kg, M = 50 kg, N1
ø = 0.3 and g = 10 m/s2
T
(a) Free body diagram of mass M is given in Fig. 3.201
T
(b) The maximum value of f1 is Mg

(f ) = (0.3)(20)(10) = 60 N T
1 max
The maximum value of f2 is
(f2)max = (0.3)(5)(10) = 15 N N
Forces on m 1 and m2 in horizontal directions are as shown in Fig. 3.202.
Now, there are only two possibilities :
(1) either both m1 and m2 will remain stationary (w.r.t. ground) or
(2) both m1 and m2 will move (w.r.t. ground).
First case is possible when T
m T
m
T = f1 (for equilibrium of m1)
f1 f2
and T = f2 (for equilibrium of m2)
 f1 = f2
Therefore, the condition f1 = 2f 2 will not be satisfied. Thus m1 and m 2 both cannot remain stationary.
In the second case, when m1 and m2 both move
f2 = (f 2)max = 15 N
 f1 = 2f2 = 30 N
Now, since f1 < (f1) max, there is no relative motion between m1 and M, i.e. all the masses move with
same acceleration, say ÂaÊ.
 f2 = 15 N
and f1 = 30 N Ans.
Free body diagram showing the forces which are responsible for motion of the masses and equations
of motion are as shown :

FRICTION
 MARKS 33

f 1 = 30 N a
a
a M
T
m1 m2 T
F
f1 f2

For m1 30 ă T = 20a ...(i)

For m2 T ă 15 = 5a ...(ii)
For M F ă 30 = 50a ...(iii)
Solving these three equations, we get
F = 60 N
T = 18 N
3
and a m/s2
5
Note : (1) Friction always opposes the relative motion between two surfaces in contact.
(2) Whenever there is relative motion between two surfaces in contact, maximum friction
(kinetic) acts, but if there is no relative motion, frictional force (f) may be less than its
limiting static friction. So, do not apply maximum force.
Thus, F = øN When relative motion is there.
and f  øsN When there is no relative motion.

Ex a m p l e 2 5
Uniform circular ring rotates with const. angular velocity  about a vertical axis passing
through its centre in a horizontal path. Find the tension developed in the ring.
Solution : Consider an infinitesimal element of the ring as shown. (Let its mass be dm) Let tension be T

  d  2
2T cos     dm R {Balancing the Components of Tension with the Centrijugal force}
 2 2 

d  d d  
2T sin  dm  2 R  sin  
2  2 2
  ă d
Tcos d  2 2
 d   M  N Tcos d
   R d   R where    2 R 
2T  2 2 2
 2    R d d
d 2 2
Td = ( 2 R2) d T d T
mg 2
 M R  2

T =  2 R 2 =  2  2Tsin d
  2

tension developed in the ring

 M 2R 
T   
 2 

FRICTION
34 MARKS

En e r g y o f f r i c t i o n
According to the law of conservation of energy is destroyed due to friction, though it may be lost to
the system of concern. Energy is transformed from other forms into heat. A sliding hockey puck comes
to rest because friction converts its kinetic energy into heat. Since heat quickly dissipates, many early
philosophers, including Aristotle, wrongly concluded that moving objects lose energy without a driving
force.
When an object is pushed along a surface, the energy converted to heat is given by :

Eth  k  Fn  x  dx
where
Fn is the normal force,
øk is the coefficient of kinetic friction,
x is the coordinate along which the object transverses.

3 .1 0 WORK OF FRI CT I ON
In the reference frame of the interface between two surfaces, static friction does no work, because
there is never displacement between the surfaces. In the same reference frame, kinetic friction is always
in the direction opposite the motion, and does negative work. However, friction can do positive work in
certain frames of reference. One can see this by placing a heavy box on a rug, then pulling on the rug
quickly. In this case, the box slides backwards relative to the rug, but moves forward relative to the
frame reference in which the floor is stationary.

Ex a m p l e 2 6
Uniform chain of mass m forming a circle of radius R is slipped over a smooth round cone
with half angle  . If the chain rotates with constant  about a vertical axis coinciding with
the axis of symmetry of cone, then find the tension developed in the chain.
Solution : y

 x
R N z
T N
Tmg 
(dm) 2R

T (dm)g
Consider an infinitesimal element of mass dm. Substituting angle d at centre
(Td ă N cos ) = dm2 r (1)  balancing forces

N sin  = (dm)g (2)  in both directions
Multiply (2) on both sides by cot  and add to (1)
We have, Td ă (dm)g cot  = (dm) 2R
Td ă (Rd )g cot  = (Rd )  2R

FRICTION
 MARKS 35

T =  Rg cot  +  R2R
= R ( cot  + 2 R)
m 
T    g cot    2R 
 2 

Ex a m p l e 2 7
A uniform horizontal rod of mass m and length l is rotated with constant  about a vertical
axis passing through fixed end of rod, then find the tension developed in the rod at a distance
of x from fixed end.
Solution :
dx

(T) (T = 0)
(T+dT) at free end
x

Consider an element dx at the distance x from the fixed end with mass be dm.
Concept : Tension at the free ends (of rod, string etc.) is always zero.
Now, T ă (T + dT) = (dm ) 2x
ă dT = (dx)  2x = M/L (mass per unit length)
0 L

  d T    n dx
2

T x

 L  x2 
2
T  2  
 2 

 m 2   L2  x 2 
T      
 L   2 

 m 2 L   x2 
T    1  2 
 2  L 

Example 28
Find the minimum coefficient of friction b/w the block and the triangular wedge so that the
block remain stationary relative to wedge.
Solution : ø=?
m N øN
a0

M

0 .5

 = 37Ĉ (m+M)g
=
ø

FRICTION
36 MARKS

Consider the wedge and block as single mass system when there is no slipping between the two blocks.
N = (m + M) g cos 
(m + M) g sin  ă øN = (m + M)a
 a0 = (g sin  ă øg cos ) ...... (1)
Now drawing F.B.D. of block m by making use of pseudo force and balancing forces
ma 0 cos  = øN0
N 0 = mg ă ma 0 sin  N0
ma 0
 ma0 cos  
   øN0 
 N0 

a0 cos  mg
 min 
g  a0 sin 

Now, substitute the value of a 0 from (1) to get the answer.

Ex a m p l e 2 9
x
A car rides along a horizontal curve y = a sin   with const. speed v. The coeff. of friction

between car and road is ø. Find the maximum speed with which it can ride without skidding.
mv2
Solution : f s  [N = mg]
r
Static friction provides the required centripetal acceleration
Concept : Find the maximum speed allowed, corresponding to minimum radius of
curvature, where f s will be required maximum. (i.e. f s = øN)
Now,

minimum radius of curvature exits at peaks, i.e. at (2n + 1) 
2
Radius of curvatures is given  dyby
 a  x
3 / 2    cos  
  dy  
2
 dx   
1    
  dx   
r   d2 y   a  x  3
 dx2   2 sin   
2
d y
2
 2   
 dx   (2 )
2

  2 
At x =  r    {Note : The formula of radius of curvature is beneficial
2  a  for the student and may prove useful in objective
fs  ømg questions}

m 2
  mg
rmin

 g 
 v  grmin  v   
 a 

FRICTION
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