Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The frictional force decreases as the angle increases.
B
The frictional force remains constant regardless of the angle.
C
The frictional force increases with the angle until a maximum is reached.
D
The frictional force becomes zero at all angles of incline.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
When an object sits on a slope, the frictional force that keeps it from sliding is proportional to the normal force pressing it into the surface. As the incline’s angle grows, the component of gravity that pushes the object into the slope (the normal force) shrinks because the weight is increasingly directed along the slope rather than into it. Since friction equals the coefficient of friction times this normal force, the frictional force gets smaller as the angle gets steeper. For example, a box on a 10‑degree hill experiences a normal force of about 98 % of its weight, while on a 30‑degree hill the normal force drops to roughly 87 % of its weight, reducing the friction by the same proportion. Thus, a steeper incline leads to less frictional resistance against sliding.
Detailed Explanation
When the slope is steeper, the weight pulls the object more toward the ground, which lowers the normal force that pushes against the surface. Other options are incorrect because Some people think friction never changes with slope, but friction only exists if there is a normal push from the surface; It sounds like friction might grow until a limit, but friction is directly tied to the normal push, which decreases as the slope increases.
Key Concepts
Angle of Incline Impact
Topic
Friction Forces Analysis
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1When an object slides down a ramp made of rubber at a steep angle, how does the combination of the angle of incline and the material affect the frictional force experienced by the object?
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Question 2A block of metal is placed on an inclined plane with a surface roughness that is significantly higher than that of the plane's opposing surface. If the angle of incline is 30 degrees, what effect does this combination of surface roughness and angle have on the maximum static friction experienced by the block?
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Question 3How does increasing the angle of incline of a ramp affect the normal force acting on an object resting on it?
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Question 4If the temperature of a surface increases significantly, how would this most likely affect the normal force and the frictional force acting on an object resting on that surface?
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Question 5How does increasing surface roughness affect the friction coefficient between two sliding surfaces?
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Question 6How does increasing the surface roughness of two sliding objects affect their friction coefficient on an incline?
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Question 7When analyzing an object on an inclined plane, which factor most directly affects the frictional force acting on it?
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