The Hidden Horizontal

EasyPractice Problems

56.The Hidden Horizontal

+10

A wedge of mass

M

rests on a horizontal floor, its inclined surface making angle

\theta

with the horizontal. A block of mass

m

rests on the inclined surface. A force of magnitude

F

is applied to the block, directed parallel to the inclined surface and pointing down the slope. Friction at every contact is sufficient to keep both the block and the wedge stationary. What is the magnitude of the friction force exerted by the floor on the wedge?

$A right-triangle wedge of mass $M$ resting on a horizontal floor, with the inclined surface rising from lower-left to upper-right at angle $\theta$ to the horizontal (label the angle $\theta$ at the lower-left corner). A small block of mass $m$ partway up the inclined surface. An arrow originating at the block, lying along the inclined surface and pointing down the slope (toward the lower-left), labeled $F$. Hatching beneath the floor to indicate the ground.$

to submit answers

ReportReport Issue

Solved by 0 solves

Daily Attempts

3 attempts per day · Resets at midnight UTC

Rules

📐Express numerical answers in SI units unless stated otherwise.

⌨️Type words like 'mu' or 'pi' to auto-render Greek letters.

➗Use '/' for fractions, '^' for exponents, and 'sqrt' for roots.

🔒Once submitted, answers cannot be changed.

⚡First correct solve earns bonus Quarks.

Discuss

Compare approaches with other solvers.

Open Discussion