📚 Learning Guide
Friction Coefficient Variations
hard

How does increasing the surface roughness of two sliding objects affect their friction coefficient on an incline?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

It increases the friction coefficient, enhancing grip.

B

It decreases the friction coefficient, reducing grip.

C

It has no effect on the friction coefficient.

D

It only affects the static friction coefficient, not kinetic.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Increasing the surface roughness of two sliding objects causes more microscopic interlocking between their asperities, which raises the normal force’s resistance to relative motion. This interlocking increases the friction coefficient, both static and kinetic, because more force is needed to initiate or maintain sliding. On an incline, a higher friction coefficient means a larger component of the weight is opposed by friction, so the block accelerates more slowly or may even stay at rest if the incline is shallow. For example, a wooden block on a roughened metal plate might have a coefficient of 0. 3 on a smooth surface, but after roughening it could rise to 0.

Detailed Explanation

When a surface gets rougher, its bumps and grooves fit together more tightly. Other options are incorrect because The misconception is that smoother surfaces lower friction; Many think texture has no effect, but roughness changes how many bumps touch.

Key Concepts

Friction Coefficient
Surface Roughness
Inclined Planes
Topic

Friction Coefficient Variations

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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