Question

A wood block is sliding up a wood ramp. if the ramp is very steep, the block will reverse direction at its highest point and slide back down. if the ramp is shallow, the block will stop when it reaches its highest point.

Answer 1

Answer: So it gets to the top of the ramp and stops. The parallel force pushing it down the ramp is mg sin θ, but for it to move, the frictional force must be overcome. This frictional force is μmg cos θ, where μ is the coefficient of static friction. For movement, then, mg sin θ > μmg cos θ ==> tan θ > μ ==> θ > arctan 0.5 = 26.565° ==> θ = 27°