A small block slides down the surface of a large stationary sphere. All of the following are independent of the location of the block on the sphere except for
A) the radius of curvature of path.
B) the coefficient of friction between the block and the sphere.
C) the angle the surface of contact between the block and the sphere makes with a horizontal line.
D) Hold it! There are no exceptions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angle the surface of contact between the block and the sphere makes with a horizontal line changes depending on the location of the block on the sphere. This angle is crucial for calculating components of forces acting on the block, such as gravitational force, normal force, and frictional force, which vary as the block moves. The radius of curvature of the path (A) is constant for a given sphere, and the coefficient of friction (B) is a material property independent of location.

A Small Block Slides Down the Surface of a Large