Formula Used:
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The formula calculates the mass of a body hanging from a string when the frictional force, coefficient of friction, and plane inclination are known. It's derived from the equilibrium conditions of forces acting on the system.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the balance between frictional force and the component of gravitational force along the inclined plane.
Details: Accurate mass calculation is crucial for understanding mechanical systems, designing structures, and analyzing forces in inclined plane scenarios with friction.
Tips: Enter force of friction in newtons, coefficient of friction (dimensionless), and plane inclination in radians. All values must be positive (inclination can be zero).
Q1: What is the significance of the cosine function in this formula?
A: The cosine function accounts for the component of gravitational force that acts parallel to the inclined plane surface.
Q2: Can this formula be used for any angle of inclination?
A: Yes, but for angles approaching 90 degrees, the cosine approaches zero, which would make the calculated mass approach infinity.
Q3: What units should be used for the inputs?
A: Force in newtons (N), coefficient of friction (dimensionless), and angle in radians. Make sure to convert degrees to radians if necessary.
Q4: Why is gravitational acceleration fixed at 9.80665 m/s²?
A: This is the standard gravitational acceleration on Earth. For calculations on other celestial bodies, this value would need adjustment.
Q5: What are typical values for the coefficient of friction?
A: Coefficient of friction values typically range from 0 (no friction) to about 1.0-1.5 for high-friction materials like rubber on concrete.