https://www.examinations.ie/tmp/1495...9333.pdf#page=

could someone explain question 7b to me. on the link you will find the answer to 7b but i do not understand the answer.
i do not understand why they write R2<R1 and i don't see how this implies F2=uR2 and i also don't understand how this gives the least value of u necessary for equilibrium

2. ## Re: help understanding answer

You seem to have posted a link to an information page about the Irish "State Examination Council" rather than a single problem or a single test. How are we to find "problem 7b" on that?

5. ## Re: help understanding answer

Start by separating the forces acting on rods ab and bc at points a and b. The weight of each is directed into the ground at angle $\displaystyle \pi/2- \theta$ (since they are of the same length, angle $\displaystyle 2\theta$ is divided equally). Separate that force into horizontal and vertical components. In order that there be no slip, the friction force, $\displaystyle \mu$ times the vertical components, must be at least equal to the horizontal force.

6. ## Re: help understanding answer

Originally Posted by markosheehan
https://www.examinations.ie/tmp/1495...9333.pdf#page=

i do not understand why they write R2<R1 and i don't see how this implies F2=uR2 and i also don't understand how this gives the least value of u necessary for equilibrium
I do not agree with that "equation" ... it should be an inequality since $f_s \le \mu \cdot N$

I assume you're ok with how $R_1 = \dfrac{7W}{4}$ and $R_2 = \dfrac{5W}{4}$ were calculated.

I also assume you're ok with how $F_1 = F_2 = \dfrac{3W}{4} \cdot \tan{\theta}$ was calculated, also.

now ...

$F_1 \le \mu \cdot R_1 \implies \dfrac{3W}{4} \tan{\theta} \le \mu \cdot \dfrac{7W}{4} \implies \mu \ge \dfrac{3}{7} \cdot \tan{\theta}$

$F_2 \le \mu \cdot R_2 \implies \dfrac{3W}{4} \tan{\theta} \le \mu \cdot \dfrac{5W}{4} \implies \mu \ge \dfrac{3}{5} \cdot \tan{\theta}$

the more restrictive inequality of the two above gives the minimum value for the coefficient of friction, $\mu \ge \dfrac{3}{5} \cdot \tan{\theta}$

7. ## Re: help understanding answer

For slipping to occur F2<uR2 .
What does F2 stand for . Friction or the force going to the left. Should it not be F2=uR2 as were looking for the least friction force possible so it's not greater than F2 .

8. ## Re: help understanding answer

$F_1$ and $F_2$ are both forces of static friction equal in magnitude.

$F_2 \color{red}{\le} \mu \cdot R_2$

note that is less than or equal to ... equality occurring at the maximum force of static friction. $F_{2 \, max} = \mu \cdot R_2$.

Have you conducted lab experiments to determine both coefficients of friction, or is that part of your study of mechanics lacking?

9. ## Re: help understanding answer

Sorry I had it the other way around. So the friction force has to be less than or equal to uR2 otherwise it would be slipping. But the object is in equilibrium.
I only do questions and I'm not at the level yet of doing this stuff experimentally.