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Mechanics, can someone please do this question and explain in detail.

A particle of mass 20kg is on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. Equilibrium is maintained by a force of magnitude P N acting on the particle, in a direction parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The greatest possible value of P is twice the least possible value of P. Find the value of the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane. (7)
(edited 5 years ago)
Original post by sufiyan777
A particle of mass 20kg is on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. Equilibrium is maintained by a force of magnitude P N acting on the particle, in a direction parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The greatest possible value of P is twice the least possible value of P. Find the value of the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane. (7)


It's not in the spirit of this board to provide complete solutions, but I'll give you a hint: the least possible value of P corresponds to the particle being on the point of slipping down the plane, while the greatest possible value of P corresponds to the particle being on the point of slipping up the plane. Have a go and post your working if you get stuck.

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