Derivation of equation for sliding object

hitek0007

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

1. The problem:

Derive an expression in its simplest form to show the relationship between the mass, ramp angle, and acceleration of the sliding object. Explain clearly but briefly the effect of each term in the expression on the actual acceleration, as the ramp angle changes.

No known variables. Context of this question: part of a lab, in which we found values of friction and coefficients of friction through measuring acceleration of objects sliding down a ramp.

2. Relevant equations

a=F_net/m
Fg_ramp=mgsin(x)
Ff_k=u_kmgcos(x)

3. The attempt at a solution

a=Fnet/m
a=(Fg_ramp-Fk)/(m)
a=(mgsin(x)-ukmgcos(x))/(m)
a=gsin(x)-ukgcos(x)
a=g(sin(x)-ukcos(x))

Is this the right equation? If so, mass has no effect on the acceleration. Acceleration increases as angle increases.

However, my teacher told me that the equation is supposed to look like:

a=_________+_________
I suppose it is possible the 2nd term is negative... but I am not sure.

Are there different equations? We also calculated ideal and measured accelerations to find the value of friction. Is this any use?

Thanks!

americanforest

Looks like you've got it right.

[tex]a=g(sin\theta-\mu cos\theta)[/tex] where [tex]\theta[/tex] is the angle between the ramp and the horizontal. Note that [tex]a[/tex] is the acceleration when the object has been released and slides down the ramp. If the object has been pushed up the ramp and is in the process of sliding up then a slightly different equation governs its acceleration.