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A block has been placed on an inclined plane with slope angle θ; the block slides down the plane at constant speed. The coefficient of kinetic friction is equal to

Asked in CBSE PMT 1993 · Friction on an incline

Answer: (4) tan θ

Step-by-step solution

Given: the block slides down at constant speed, so it is in equilibrium.

Idea: constant speed means zero acceleration, so friction up the slope exactly balances the weight component down it.

Down the slope: mg sin θ.

Up the slope: f=μₖN=μₖmg cos θ.

Setting them equal: mg sin θ=μₖmg cos θ.

The mg cancels: μₖ=(sin θ)/(cos θ).

μₖ=tan θ. This angle is the angle of repose.

Why the other options are wrong

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