Friction on an Inclined Plane

Interactive physics simulation - Box automatically slides when angle exceeds critical angle

The box will automatically slide when downhill force exceeds surface friction

Surface Angle Control

0°

Adjust the angle of the inclined plane

0° Flat

5°

10°

20°

30°

50°

Critical Angle: 5.7°

Box will automatically slide when angle exceeds critical angle

Surface Material

Choose different surface materials with varying friction coefficients

❄️

Ice

μ_k=0.05

🪵

Wood

μ_k=0.3

🏗️

Concrete

μ_k=0.6

🚗

Rubber

μ_k=0.8

Kinetic Friction (μ_k): Opposes motion once sliding begins

Quick Status

Angle (θ): 0°

Box Status: HELD Static

Normal Force (N): 98.0 N

Velocity (v): 0.0 m/s

Force Analysis

Downhill Force (F_∥): 0.0 N

Friction Force (F_f): 0.0 N

Max Friction (threshold): 9.8 N

Net Force (F_net): 0.0 N

Acceleration (a): 0.0 m/s²

Physics Principles

Weight Force

W = m × g

The force due to gravity acting straight downward. In this simulation: m = 10 kg, g = 9.8 m/s²

Normal Force

N = m × g × cos(θ)

The force perpendicular to the surface. It decreases as the angle increases.

Downhill Force

F_∥ = m × g × sin(θ)

The component of weight parallel to the surface. This force tries to pull the box downhill.

Friction Force

F_f = μ × N

The force opposing motion. Static friction (μ_s) prevents motion; kinetic friction (μ_k) opposes sliding.

Critical Angle

θ_critical = arctan(μ_s)

The angle at which downhill force equals maximum static friction. Beyond this angle, the box will slide.

Net Force

F_net = F_∥ - F_f

The unbalanced force that causes acceleration. When net force > 0, the box accelerates downhill.