A train sits on top of a 1% grade incline

[Girn261]

Homework Statement

A train sits on top of a 1% grade. It accelerates uniformly until it reaches level track. What is the velocity the the train reaches on the incline, and how far does it travel before it comes to a stop? There is a 50 N braking force applied.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Tan -1 (.01) = .57 degrees, the opposing force is 50N. Not sure what the next step is.

 

[scottdave]

What equations can you use, for something rolling down an incline? Do they tell you the mass of the train?

 

[Girn261]

What equations can you use, for something rolling down an incline? Do they tell you the mass of the train?

That's the exact question. I find it a strange question. Hmm

 

[scottdave]

If there was no braking force, you could use equations of motion.
You could also use Conservation of Energy. Are you familiar with these?

 

[haruspex]

If there was no braking force, you could use equations of motion.
You could also use Conservation of Energy. Are you familiar with these?

We don't seem to be told either the length of the incline or the time spent thereon, so even if we knew the mass all we would have for the first part is the initial speed and acceleration. Not enough to find the speed at the bottom.

 

[haruspex]

Tan -1 (.01) = .57 degrees

It is rarely helpful to find the angle in these questions. Usually you only know and only want trig functions of the angle, and those can be converted one to another easily.

 

[Girn261]

We don't seem to be told either the length of the incline or the time spent thereon, so even if we knew the mass all we would have for the first part is the initial speed and acceleration. Not enough to find the speed at the bottom.

That's what I figured too, thanks.