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Homework Statement
An inclined plane, fixed to the inside of an elevator, makes a ## 32 ^\circ ## degree angle with the floor. A mass m slides on the plane without friction. What is its acceleration relative to the plane if the elevator accelerates upward at 0.50 g?
Homework Equations
The effective value of acceleration due to gravity ##g_e = g + a_e ## The e on the left stands for effective while the one on the right represents the elevator.
Relative acceleration = ## g_e sin \theta ##
The Attempt at a Solution
I understand that ## a_r ## is the force of gravity along the incline plane and I understand how to derive it. However
my textbook never taught me the "effective value of acceleration" but it uses it to solve the problem. How can acceleration be "effective"? When is this equation used? How do I derive it?
Going back to the original question, my solution guide states that I should plug in
##g_e = g + 0.5g = 1.5g ##
Then put the answer here ##a_r = g_e sin \theta = 1.5gsin(32 ^\circ ) ## Why is it addition if a and g are in opposite directions?
Thank you (The main question I want answered is highlighted in RED)