PASSAGE VI
PHYSICS: This passage is adapted from a study on the forces acting on an object on an inclined plane.
Introduction
A student conducted experiments to determine the factors that affect the force required to pull a block up an inclined plane at a constant velocity. The force ($F$) required depends on the mass of the block ($m$), the angle of the incline ($\theta$), and the friction between the block and the surface.
The experimental setup consisted of a wooden board (the inclined plane) and a spring scale attached to a rectangular block. The student pulled the block up the incline at a steady speed and recorded the force in Newtons (N).
Study 1
To test how the angle of the incline affects the force, the student used a standard wooden block with a mass of 1.0 kg. The surface of the inclined plane was smooth wood. The student varied the angle of the incline from 10° to 60°. Results were recorded in Table 1.
Study 2
To test how the surface material (friction) affects the force, the student fixed the angle of the incline at 30° and used the same 1.0 kg block. The student covered the wooden board with different materials: Sandpaper, Rubber, and Plastic. The force was measured for each surface. Results were recorded in Table 2.
Study 3
To test how the mass of the block affects the force, the student used the smooth wood surface and fixed the angle at 30°. The student added weights to the block to increase its total mass. Results were recorded in Table 3.
