Determine if motion is impending.

Open Rubric
7–4 ANGLE OF FRICTION
In Figure 7–3 the friction force Fmax and the normal force N are combined in the
resultant R. The friction angle, 𝜙, is the angle between N and R.

Considering the right-angle triangle in which 𝜙 is located, we can write

FIGURE 7–3

Friction can be expressed as a coefficient or as the tangent of the friction angle.

WPR method
P is the force that causes impending motion
W weight of an object
R resultant force
Construct the vector triangle from the Figure above by first drawing the W vector,
then vector P, and finally vector R, which closes the triangle. Then apply the sine
law.

𝝓 R
W

P
Solution

Applying WPR method

𝝓 R
W = 400N

P = 80 N

𝟖𝟎
𝝁 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝝓 = = 𝟎. 𝟐
𝟒𝟎𝟎
Solution

Applying WPR method

W = R but in opposite direction, because there is no force that causes impending
motion
We cannot construct the vector triangle.
Insight: From the figure above
Therefore, the friction force in this case will be
𝐹 = 𝑊 sin 20° = 80 sin 20° = 27.4 N
Solution

If Fmax and N are combined into the resultant R, there are only three forces (Figure
7–12), and a vector triangle solution can be used. The friction angle ϕ is found
from the equation
OR

𝜙
20°
20°

Construct the vector triangle (Figure 7–13) by first drawing the 200-N vector, then
vector BC, and finally vector R, which closes the triangle. Applying the sine law,
we get
Applying WPR method

20° + 𝜙 = 31.3°

W = 200N R

100°
48.7°
10°

𝜙 = tan−1 0.2 = 11.3°

Applying Sine law

𝑃 200
=
sin 31.3° 48.7°
𝑃 = 𝐵𝐶 = 138 N 𝐶
Solution
Solution

W
P

40°

10°

6.7°
10°
Applying WPR method
𝜙 = tan−1 0.3 = 16.7°

43.3°

130°

W = 200N

6.7°

Applying Sine law

𝑃/ sin 40 20
=
sin 6.7° 43.3°
𝑃 = 2.19 𝑙𝑏