What value is closest to the coefficient of static friction (μ_s) when a crate is inclined at 20°?

The coefficient of static friction (μ_s) can be calculated for an inclined plane using the angle of inclination. The relationship between the angle and the coefficient of static friction is indicated by the following formula:

μ_s = tan(θ)

where θ is the angle of the incline. In this case, the angle is 20°. To find μ_s, you can calculate the tangent of 20°.

When you compute tan(20°), the approximate value is around 0.364, which is indeed closest to 0.36 among the provided options. This value reflects the ratio of the force of friction to the normal force at the moment before the crate begins to slip down the incline.

This result is significant in understanding how inclined planes interact with static friction, helping predict how objects will behave on slopes.