M1 HELP - In what direction does friction act?

As far as I know friction will always go in opposite direction of motion.

However, especially when questions ask about particles on an inclined plane (i.e., in equilibrium) I cannot find a pattern as to whether friction goes down or up?

Can someone explain??

It depends if the particle is on the point of slipping up or slipping down the plane.

If there are no external forces apart from the gravity and firtion (and the normal reaction) then friction acts up the plane.

Hope this helps

So if it is on the point of slipping down, friction is pointing upwards. Am i correct?

As far as I know friction will always go in opposite direction of motion.

However, especially when questions ask about particles on an inclined plane (i.e., in equilibrium) I cannot find a pattern as to whether friction goes down or up?

Can someone explain??

The friction would be acting upwards as it will try to stop the item from sliding downwards. It is always acting opposite to the motion. If the item was sliding upwards, the friction would be downwards. If the item was stationary, it would be upwards as the item would normally slide downwards if stationary, but the friction will prevent it from sliding down the inclined plane.

Opposite to the direction of tension.