Question
Define angle of friction and show that tan θ =μ, where θ is angle of friction and μ is coefficient of friction.
Solution
Angle of friction is the angle which the resultant of force of friction and normal reaction make with the normal reaction.
Let a body of weight 'W' be placed on the horizontal surface and pulled by force F.
Weight of the body is acting in vertically downward direction and there is no component of force F in vertical direction, therefore, normal reaction will be equal to weight.
Let μ be coefficient of friction.
Therefore, force of friction f = μW, will act in horizontal direction opposite to the direction of F applied.
Let the resultant of make an angle
with
∴
Hence, proved.