Question regarding Newton's laws

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter r3dxP
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Laws Newton's laws
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving problems using Newton's laws, specifically Newton's second law, in the context of a physics problem involving a 10 kg mass on a frictionless incline at a 30-degree angle with a 20 N horizontal force applied. The key takeaway is to establish a coordinate system with the x-axis parallel to the incline to effectively resolve forces into components. The acceleration of the mass can be calculated by applying Newton's second law, which requires writing equations for both the x and y axes based on the forces acting on the mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion, particularly Newton's second law
  • Knowledge of vector resolution and force components
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, especially sine and cosine for angle calculations
  • Basic problem-solving skills in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's second law in various scenarios
  • Learn about vector resolution techniques in physics problems
  • Explore frictionless incline problems and their unique characteristics
  • Practice solving problems involving forces at angles using trigonometric functions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching Newton's laws, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills in mechanics.

r3dxP
well, my question isn't directly towards Newton's law or anythiing, but its a question on how to solve problems using Newton's law.
for example, look at this problem below..

a force of 20N acts horizontally on a mass of 10kg being pushed up a fritionless incline that makes a 30degrees angle with the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the mass up the incline equal to?

ok, for this problem, how would you know you solve this problem by using the equilibrium in respect to the x ? is it because only x equilibrium exists? or is it because its asking for the magnitude of the acceleration up the incline?
sorry if this question confuses you..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're going to need Newton's second law, not the first. The acceleration is what you are looking for. That's what the question states to find. Always start with what is given to and asked of you. I always put my coordinate system with the x-axis parallel to the incline. That way the only term that should need being broken down into components is the weight vector. It will have a component in both x and y directions. Write out your 2nd law equations for both axes.
 
This was also posted in the homework forum. Please don't double post. If this is homework it shouldn't be here. (And if it's not homework, it shouldn't be there!)
 

Similar threads

High School Question about Newton's 3rd law: Two boxes sliding toward each other and colliding
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Newton's Third Law in space
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
High School Newton's third law (equal and opposite force)
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
High School The application of Newton's laws to fluid equilibrium
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
High School Newton's Third Law Question -- Does the Earth Do Work on Me?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School Newton’s second law as one complete law
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Undergrad Extending Newton's laws -- Is the concept of force still defined?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Undergrad Are Newton's Laws just definitions?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Acceleration in Newton's second law
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School How's it possible to push on systems with 2 parts? (Newton's third law)
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K