Ramp Friction — AP Physics 1 Explorer

friction on a ramp

N = mg·cosθ — normal force
F∥ = mg·sinθ — down the ramp
f_s ≤ μ_s·N — static (opposes)
f_k = μ_k·N — kinetic (sliding)

● adjust sliders

Quick angles

θ · ramp angle45°

m · mass10.0 kg

Surface preset

Grippy — rubber on rubber (μ_s≈1.8) Medium — wood on wood (μ_s≈1.0) Slippery — wood on Teflon (μ_s≈0.2)

μ_s · static coefficient0.50

μ_k · kinetic coefficient0.30

mg98.0 N

N = mg·cosθ—

F∥ = mg·sinθ—

98.0 N

— N

F∥

— N

f_s max = μ_s·N— N

f_k = μ_k·N— N

net force (sliding)— N

tabs 1→2: geometry proof
tab 3: tilted frame view
tab 4: static friction
tab 5: kinetic friction
μ_s > μ_k always

Step 1 — The base. A block sits on a frictionless ramp at angle θ. The only force acting is mg — straight down, always.