Is AP Considered Equivalent to College Credit?

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The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving a wagon being towed up an incline. The original poster initially miscalculated the net force acting on the wagon by not accounting for the gravitational component acting down the slope. After receiving feedback, they learned to incorporate the angle of the incline into their calculations, specifically using the sine function to determine the force of gravity acting against the wagon. This adjustment clarified the relationship between the tension in the tow rope and the gravitational force, leading to a better understanding of the problem. The poster expressed gratitude for the assistance and indicated a willingness to tackle similar problems in the future.
TheRhinoMan
Did I do this problem right? I didn't use some of the info...

Oh well... if it doesn't, it's moveable. :)

Hello Ladies and Gents,
I'm new on here, and I was wondering if someone could help me with my physics HW; And forgive me if I don't get it right away. :)

Here's the problem...
A 40kg. wagon is towed up a hill inclined at 18.5(degrees) with respect to the horizontal. The tow rope is parallel to the incline and has a tension of 140N in it. Assume that the wagon starts from rest at the botton of the hill and neglect friction. How fast is the wagon going after moving 80m. up the hill?

I tried doing this one, and well...

m=40kg.
delta(x)=80m.
Angle=18.5
Force(net)=140N
vf=?


Just stating the known, and then I...

v(fin)^2=v(ini)^2 + 2a(delta)x
vf^2 = 0 +160a

F(net)=ma
140=40a
a=3.5

in which case...

vf^2= 160(3.5)
vf^2= 560
vf = 23.66

So, that's what I did; I'm sure it's wrong, just because I didn't use the angle.
So... that's my question... what did I do wrong? Or did I do it right?

Thanks a bundle!
P.S. Heheh, I have a whole lot of physics "?"s that I don't understand...
 
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TheRhinoMan said:
...

F(net)=ma
140=40a

...
This where your problem is.
The wagon is on an incline. So the accelerating force isn't 140N.
You have to take away the component of the wagon's weight acting down the slope.
 
OOOooohhhh...
I see it now, Thanks Fermat!

I called a friend last night, and he was able to help me with this problem... but I didn't understand his reasoning. Now I do; thanks!.

So... Basically, I had to make a right triangle, force of gravity being the hypotenuse (sp?), normal force being the second largest side, and the base (or smallest side) being, essentially, the force reacting against the wagon as it goes up.

The wagon needed to overcome that force and then some in order to accelerate up the hill...
Yay! I think I get it. :) I'll try another one similar to it, and if I still don't get it, I'll be back. :D

Thanks for the help, fermat!

TheRhinoMan
 
Your setup should look something like in the attachment.

The force acting against the wagon is its component down the slope, i.e. Mg.sin(18.5).
So, the accelerating force is,

F = T - Mg.sin(18.5)
 

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