Friction Past Paper Questions

Multiple Choice

Q1.
A wooden crate rests on a rough horizontal surface.

The coefficient of friction between the crate and the surface is 0.6

A forward force acts on the crate, parallel to the surface.

When this force is 600 N, the crate is on the point of moving.

Find the weight of the crate.

Circle your answer.

1000 N 100 kg 360 N 36 kg

(Total 1 mark)

Pulleys

Q2.
Block A, of mass 0.2 kg, lies at rest on a rough plane.

The plane is inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal, such that tan θ =

A light inextensible string is attached to A and runs parallel to the line of greatest slope
until it passes over a smooth fixed pulley at the top of the slope.

The other end of this string is attached to particle B, of mass 2 kg, which is held at rest so
that the string is taut, as shown in the diagram below.

(a) B is released from rest so that it begins to move vertically downwards with an

acceleration of g ms−2

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 Show that the coefficient of friction between A and the surface of the inclined plane
is 0.17
(8)

(b) In this question use g = 9.81 ms−2

When A reaches a speed of 0.5 ms−1 the string breaks.

(i) Find the distance travelled by A after the string breaks until first coming to rest.
(4)

(ii) State an assumption that could affect the validity of your answer to part (b)(i).
(1)
(Total 13 marks)

Q5.
The diagram shows two particles, A and B, that are connected by a taut light inextensible
string. Particle A has mass 8 kg and is on a rough horizontal surface. Particle B has mass
7 kg and is attached to the other end of the string, as shown in the diagram. The string
passes over a smooth light pulley. Particle A moves towards the pulley as particle B falls.

The coefficient of friction between A and the horizontal surface is 0.8.

(a) Find the magnitude of the friction force between A and the surface.
(2)

(b) By forming an equation of motion for each particle, show that the magnitude of the
acceleration of each particle is 0.392 m s– 2.
(5)
(Total 7 marks)

Q8.
A small block P is attached to another small block Q by a light inextensible string.
The block P rests on a rough horizontal surface and the string hangs over a smooth peg
so that Q hangs freely, as shown in the diagram.

The block P has mass 0.4 kg and the coefficient of friction between P and the surface is
0.5.

The block Q has mass 0.3 kg.

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 The system is released from rest and Q moves vertically downwards.

(a) (i) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on P.

(1)

(ii) Show that the frictional force between P and the surface has magnitude
1.96 newtons.
(2)

(b) By forming an equation of motion for each block, show that the magnitude of the
acceleration of each block is 1.4 m s–2.
(5)

(c) Find the speed of the blocks after 3 seconds of motion.

(2)

(d) After 3 seconds of motion, the string breaks. The blocks continue to move.
Comment on how the speed of each block will change in the subsequent motion.
For each block, give a reason for your answer.
(4)
(Total 14 marks)

Q15.
The diagram shows a block, of mass 13 kg, on a rough horizontal surface. It is attached
by a string that passes over a smooth peg to a sphere of mass 7 kg, as shown in the
diagram.

The system is released from rest, and after 4 seconds the block and the sphere both have
speed 6 m s–1, and the block has not reached the peg.

(a) State two assumptions that you should make about the string in order to model the
motion of the sphere and the block.
(2)

(b) Show that the acceleration of the sphere is 1.5 m s–2.

(2)

(c) Find the tension in the string.

(3)

(d) Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
(6)
(Total 13 marks)

Q17.

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 Two particles, A and B, are connected by a light inextensible string, which passes over a
smooth peg. Particle A is on a rough horizontal surface and has mass 3 kg. Particle B
hangs freely, as shown in the diagram, and has mass 2 kg. The coefficient of friction
between and the horizontal surface is µ.

The particles are released from rest and move with a constant acceleration of magnitude
0.9 m s–2.

(a) Find the tension in the string.

(3)

(b) Draw and label a diagram to show the forces acting on particle A.
(1)

(c) Calculate the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on A.

(1)

(d) Find the magnitude of the friction force that acts on A.

(2)

(e) Find µ.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q20.
Two particles, A and B, are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a
smooth peg. Particle A has mass 2 kg and particle B has mass 4 kg. Particle A hangs
freely with the string vertical. Particle B is at rest in equilibrium on a rough horizontal
surface with the string at an angle of 30° to the vertical. The particles, peg and string are
shown in the diagram.

(a) By considering particle A, find the tension in the string.

(2)

(b) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on particle B.

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 (2)

(c) Show that the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on particle B is 22.2
newtons, correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(d) Find the least possible value of the coefficient of friction between particle B and the
surface.
(4)
(Total 11 marks)

Q21.
A block, of mass 12 kg, lies on a horizontal surface. The block is attached to a particle, of
mass 18 kg, by a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed peg. Initially,
the block is held at rest so that the string supports the particle, as shown in the diagram.

The block is then released.

(a) Assuming that the surface is smooth, use two equations of motion to find the
magnitude of the acceleration of the block and particle.
(4)

(b) In reality, the surface is rough and the acceleration of the block is 3 m s−2.

(i) Find the tension in the string.

(3)

(ii) Calculate the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block.
(1)

(iii) Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
(5)

(c) State two modelling assumptions, other than those given, that you have made in
answering this question.
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

Q22.
A block, of mass 15 kg, is placed on a rough horizontal surface. It is attached, by a light
inextensible string that passes over a smooth peg, to a particle of mass 5 kg, which hangs
freely, as shown in the diagram.

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 The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.2. The block and particle
are released from rest and move with the string taut.

(a) Find the magnitude of the friction force acting on the block.
(3)

(b) Show that the acceleration of the system is 0.98 m s–2.

(5)

(c) The block is travelling at 1.4 m s–1 when it reaches the peg.

Find the distance that the block has travelled when it reaches the peg.
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

Block Pulled At An Angle

Q3.
In this question use g = 9.8 m s−2

A boy attempts to move a wooden crate of mass 20 kg along horizontal ground. The
coefficient of friction between the crate and the ground is 0.85

(a) The boy applies a horizontal force of 150 N. Show that the crate remains stationary.
(3)

(b) Instead, the boy uses a handle to pull the crate forward. He exerts a force of 150 N,
at an angle of 15° above the horizontal, as shown in the diagram.

Determine whether the crate remains stationary.

Fully justify your answer.

(5)
(Total 8 marks)

Q4.
A child pulls a sledge, of mass 8 kg, along a rough horizontal surface, using a light rope.
The coefficient of friction between the sledge and the surface is 0.3. The tension in the
rope is 40 newtons. The rope is kept at an angle of θ to the horizontal, as shown in the
diagram.

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 Model the sledge as a particle.

(a) Draw a diagram to show all the forces acting on the sledge.
(1)

(b) Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the sledge, in terms of θ.
(3)

(c) The acceleration of the sledge is

p + q cos θ + r sin θ

Find p, q and r.
(5)
(Total 9 marks)

Q7.
The diagram shows a rope that is attached to a box of mass 25 kg, which is being pulled
along rough horizontal ground. The rope is at an angle of 30° to the ground. The tension
in the rope is 40 N. The box accelerates at 0.1 m s– 2.

(a) Draw a diagram to show all of the forces acting on the box.
(1)

(b) Show that the magnitude of the friction force acting on the box is 32.1 N, correct to
three significant figures.
(3)

(c) Show that the magnitude of the normal reaction force that the ground exerts on the
box is 225 N.
(3)

(d) Find the coefficient of friction between the box and the ground.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q13.
A crate is being pulled at constant speed across rough horizontal ground by a rope.

The crate is of weight 100 newtons and the frictional force between the crate and the
ground is of magnitude 30 newtons.

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 The tension in the rope is of magnitude T newtons.

(a) Draw and label a diagram to show all the forces acting on the crate.
(1)

(b) The coefficient of friction between the crate and the ground is 0.5. Show that the
normal reaction force between the crate and the ground is 60 newtons.
(2)

(c) Explain why the horizontal component of the tension in the rope is 30 newtons.
(2)

(d) Find the value of T.

(4)

(e) Find the angle that the rope makes with the horizontal.
(3)
(Total 12 marks)

Q19.
In this question use g = 9.8 m s−2, giving your final answers to an appropriate
degree of accuracy.

The diagram shows a box, of mass 8.0 kg, being pulled by a string so that the box moves
at a constant speed along a rough horizontal wooden board.

The string is at an angle of 40° to the horizontal.

The tension in the string is 50 newtons.

The coefficient of friction between the box and the board is µ

Model the box as a particle.

(a) Show that µ = 0.83

(4)

(b) One end of the board is lifted up so that the board is now inclined at an angle of 5°
to the horizontal.

The box is pulled up the inclined board.

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 The string remains at an angle of 40° to the board.

The tension in the string is increased so that the box accelerates up the board at
3 m s−2

(i) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the box as it moves.
(1)

(ii) Find the tension in the string as the box accelerates up the slope at 3 m s−2.
(7)
(Total 12 marks)

Q23.
The diagram shows a block, of mass 20 kg, being pulled along a rough horizontal surface
by a rope inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal.

The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is µ. Model the block as a
particle which slides on the surface.

(a) If the tension in the rope is 60 newtons, the block moves at a constant speed.

(i) Show that the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block is
166 N.
(3)

(ii) Find µ.
(4)

(b) If the rope remains at the same angle and the block accelerates at 0.8 m s–2, find
the tension in the rope.

Q24.
A sledge of mass 8 kg is at rest on a rough horizontal surface. A child tries to move the
sledge by pushing it with a pole, as shown in the diagram, but the sledge does not move.
The pole is at an angle of 30° to the horizontal and exerts a force of 40 newtons on the
sledge.

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 Model the sledge as a particle.

(a) Draw a diagram to show the four forces acting on the sledge.
(1)

(b) Show that the normal reaction force between the sledge and the surface has
magnitude 98.4 N.
(3)

(c) Find the magnitude of the friction force that acts on the sledge.
(2)

(d) Find the least possible value of the coefficient of friction between the sledge and the
surface.
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
(5)
(Total 12 marks)

Q28.
A crate, of mass 200 kg, is initially at rest on a rough horizontal surface. A smooth ring is
attached to the crate. A light inextensible rope is passed through the ring, and each end of
the rope is attached to a tractor. The lower part of the rope is horizontal and the upper part
is at an angle of 20° to the horizontal, as shown in the diagram.

When the tractor moves forward, the crate accelerates at 0.3 m s–2. The coefficient of
friction between the crate and the surface is 0.4.

Assume that the tension, T newtons, is the same in both parts of the rope.

(a) Draw and label a diagram to show the forces acting on the crate.
(2)

(b) Express the normal reaction between the surface and the crate in terms of T.
(3)

(c) Find T.
(5)
(Total 10 marks)

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 Q30.
Lizzie is sat securely on a wooden sledge.

The combined mass of Lizzie and the sledge is M kilograms.

The sledge is being pulled forward in a straight line along a horizontal surface by means
of a light inextensible rope, which is attached to the front of the sledge.

This rope stays inclined at an acute angle θ above the horizontal and remains taut as the
sledge moves forward.

The sledge remains in contact with the surface throughout.

The coefficient of friction between the sledge and the surface is µ and there are no other
resistance forces.

Lizzie and the sledge move forward with constant acceleration, a m s−2

The tension in the rope is a constant T Newtons.

(a) Show that

(7)

(b) It is known that when M = 30, y = 30°, and T = 40, the sledge remains at rest.

Lizzie uses these values with the relationship formed in part (a) to find the value
for µ

Explain why her value for µ may be incorrect.

(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Particle on a slope

Q6.
A stone rests in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 16° to the horizontal,
as shown in the diagram. The mass of the stone is 0.5 kg.

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 (a) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the stone.
(1)

(b) Show that the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the stone is 1.35 newtons,
correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(c) Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force between the stone and the plane.
(2)

(d) Hence find an inequality for the value of µ, the coefficient of friction between the
stone and the plane.
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q9.
A block is being pulled up a rough plane inclined at an angle of 22° to the horizontal by
a rope parallel to the plane, as shown in the diagram.

The mass of the block is 0.7 kg, and the tension in the rope is T newtons.

(a) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the block.

(1)

(b) Show that the normal reaction force between the block and the plane has
magnitude 6.36 newtons, correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(c) The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.25. Find the
magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block during its motion.
(2)

(d) The tension in the rope is 5.6 newtons. Find the acceleration of the block.
(4)
(Total 10 marks)

Q10.
A box, of mass 3 kg, is placed on a rough slope inclined at an angle of 40° to the
horizontal. It is released from rest and slides down the slope.

(a) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the box.

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 (1)

(b) Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the box.
(2)

(c) The coefficient of friction between the box and the slope is 0.2. Find the magnitude
of the friction force acting on the box.
(2)

(d) Find the acceleration of the box.

(3)

(e) State an assumption that you have made about the forces acting on the box.
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

Q11.
A rough slope is inclined at an angle of 25° to the horizontal. A box of weight 80 newtons
is on the slope. A rope is attached to the box and is parallel to the slope. The tension in
the rope is of magnitude T newtons. The diagram shows the slope, the box and the rope.

(a) The box is held in equilibrium by the rope.

(i) Show that the normal reaction force between the box and the slope is 72.5
newtons, correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(ii) The coefficient of friction between the box and the slope is 0.32. Find the
magnitude of the maximum value of the frictional force which can act on the
box.
(2)

(iii) Find the least possible tension in the rope to prevent the box from moving
down the slope.
(4)

(iv) Find the greatest possible tension in the rope.

(3)

(v) Show that the mass of the box is approximately 8.16 kg.
(1)

(b) The rope is now released and the box slides down the slope. Find the acceleration
of the box.
(3)
(Total 16 marks)

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Q14.
A box, of mass 3 kg, is placed on a slope inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal. The
box slides down the slope. Assume that air resistance can be ignored.

(a) A simple model assumes that the slope is smooth.

(i) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the box.

(1)

(ii) Show that the acceleration of the box is 4.9 m s–2.

(2)

(b) A revised model assumes that the slope is rough. The box slides down the slope
from rest, travelling 5 metres in 2 seconds.

(i) Show that the acceleration of the box is 2.5 m s–2.

(2)

(ii) Find the magnitude of the friction force acting on the box.
(3)

(iii) Find the coefficient of friction between the box and the slope.
(5)

(iv) In reality, air resistance affects the motion of the box. Explain how its
acceleration would change if you took this into account.
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

Q16.
A block, of mass 5 kg, slides down a rough plane inclined at 40° to the horizontal. When
modelling the motion of the block, assume that there is no air resistance acting on it.

(a) Draw and label a diagram to show the forces acting on the block.
(1)

(b) Show that the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block is 37.5 N,
correct to three significant figures.
(2)

(c) Given that the acceleration of the block is 0.8 m s–2, find the coefficient of friction
between the block and the plane.
(6)

(d) In reality, air resistance does act on the block. State how this would change your
value for the coefficient of friction and explain why.
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

Q25.
A puck, of mass 0.2 kg, is placed on a slope inclined at 20° above the horizontal, as
shown in the diagram.

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 The puck is hit so that initially it moves with a velocity of 4 m s–1 directly up the slope.

(a) A simple model assumes that the surface of the slope is smooth.

(i) Show that the acceleration of the puck up the slope is –3.35 m s–2, correct to
three significant figures.
(3)

(ii) Find the distance that the puck will travel before it comes to rest.
(3)

(iii) What will happen to the puck after it comes to rest?

Explain why.
(2)

(b) A revised model assumes that the surface is rough and that the coefficient of friction
between the puck and the surface is 0.5.

(i) Show that the magnitude of the friction force acting on the puck during this
motion is 0.921 N, correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(ii) Find the acceleration of the puck up the slope.

(3)

(iii) What will happen to the puck after it comes to rest in this case?

Explain why.
(2)
(Total 16 marks)

Q27.
A particle, of mass m kg, is at rest on a rough plane which is inclined at an angle of 42° to
the horizontal, as shown in the diagram.

The friction force acting on the particle has magnitude 30 newtons.

(a) Draw and label a diagram to show all the forces acting on the particle.
(1)

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 (b) Find m.
(3)

(c) Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the particle.
(2)

(d) Given that the particle is on the point of sliding down the plane, find the coefficient
of friction between the particle and the plane.
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Horizontal Friction

Q12.
A block, of mass 4 kg, is made to move in a straight line on a rough horizontal surface by
a horizontal force of 50 newtons, as shown in the diagram.

Assume that there is no air resistance acting on the block.

(a) Draw a diagram to show all the forces acting on the block.
(1)

(b) Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block.
(1)

(c) The acceleration of the block is 3 m s−2. Find the magnitude of the friction force
acting on the block.
(3)

(d) Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
(2)

(e) Explain how and why your answer to part (d) would change if you assumed that air
resistance did act on the block.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q18.
A tractor, of mass 4000 kg, is used to pull a skip, of mass 1000 kg, over a rough horizontal
surface. The tractor is connected to the skip by a rope, which remains taut and horizontal
throughout the motion, as shown in the diagram.

Assume that only two horizontal forces act on the tractor. One is a driving force, which

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 has magnitude P newtons and acts in the direction of motion. The other is the tension in
the rope.

The coefficient of friction between the skip and the ground is 0.4.

The tractor and the skip accelerate at 0.8 m s–2.

(a) Show that the magnitude of the friction force acting on the skip is 3920 N.
(2)

(b) Show that P = 7920.

(3)

(c) Find the tension in the rope.

(3)

(d) Suppose that, during the motion, the rope is not horizontal, but inclined at a small
angle to the horizontal, with the higher end of the rope attached to the tractor, as
shown in the diagram.

How would the magnitude of the friction force acting on the skip differ from that
found in part (a)?

Explain why.
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q26.
A block, of mass 10 kg, is at rest on a rough horizontal surface, when a horizontal force, of
magnitude P newtons, is applied to the block, as shown in the diagram.

The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.5.

(a) Draw and label a diagram to show all the forces acting on the block.
(1)

(b) (i) Calculate the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block.
(1)

(ii) Find the maximum possible magnitude of the friction force between the block
and the surface.
(1)

(iii) Given that P = 30, state the magnitude of the friction force acting on the
block.

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 (1)

(c) Given that P = 80, find the acceleration of the block.

(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q29.
A wooden block, of mass 4 kg, is placed on a rough horizontal surface. The coefficient of
friction between the block and the surface is 0.3 . A horizontal force, of magnitude 30
newtons, acts on the block and causes it to accelerate.

(a) Draw a diagram to show all the forces acting on the block.
(1)

(b) Calculate the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block.
(1)

(c) Find the magnitude of the friction force acting on the block.
(2)

(d) Find the acceleration of the block.

(3)
(Total 7 marks)

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