Friction on an incline — the angle an inclined plane makes with the horizontal when a body placed on it is just about to move down the plane is called the:
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Aangle of inclination
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Bangle of friction
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Cangle of repose
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Dnone of these
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Ecritical pitch angle
Answer
Correct Answer: angle of repose
Explanation
Introduction / Context:At impending motion on a rough inclined plane, the balance between gravitational component down the slope and limiting friction defines a characteristic angle. This angle is central to heap stability, conveying, and slope design problems in mechanical and geotechnical engineering.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Static friction model with coefficient μ between block and plane.
- Impending motion downward (limiting equilibrium).
- Plane angle θ with the horizontal.
Concept / Approach:
At the verge of sliding down, the component of weight along the plane balances the limiting friction: mgsin θ = μmgcos θ ⇒ tan θ = μ. The angle θ_r at which this occurs is the angle of repose. The angle of friction φ is defined by tan φ = μ; therefore θ_r = φ at impending motion.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Resolve weight into components along and normal to the plane.Set along-plane equilibrium at limiting friction: mgsin θ = μmgcos θ.Obtain tan θ = μ and identify θ as the angle of repose.Recognize equality with the angle of friction under limiting conditions.Verification / Alternative check (if short method exists):
Plot friction cone or use friction circle; impending motion occurs when resultant reaction makes an angle φ with the normal such that tan φ = μ, again implying θ_r = φ.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Angle of inclination is a generic geometric term. Angle of friction is a material property equal to the angle of repose only at impending motion, but the named condition asked is specifically the angle of repose.
Common Pitfalls (misconceptions, mistakes):
Confusing steady sliding (kinetic friction) with impending motion (static friction); mixing degrees and radians when computing θ from μ.
Final Answer:
angle of repose