Solving Incline Plane Problem: Find Min Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The incline plane problem involves calculating the minimum acceleration required for a block of mass 0.9 kg to slide down an incline at an angle of 28 degrees, with a coefficient of static friction of 0.73. The solution utilizes Newton's 2nd law, separating the forces into vertical and horizontal components. The equation derived is μ*(m * g * sin(28) + m * g * cos(28)) = m * g * sin(28) + m * a * cos(28), leading to the formula a = g * (sin(28) - 0.73 * cos(28)) / (0.73 * sin(28) - cos(28)). Accurate calculations are essential for obtaining the correct minimum acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's 2nd law of motion
  • Knowledge of static friction and its coefficient
  • Ability to resolve forces into components
  • Basic trigonometry, specifically sine and cosine functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice problems involving inclined planes and friction
  • Review the application of Newton's laws in two dimensions
  • Study the effects of varying coefficients of friction on motion
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as non-inertial reference frames
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and tutors looking for problem-solving strategies related to forces on inclined planes.

J.T.
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I have been stuck on this problem for so long... It's seriously driving me insane.

The problem:
An incline plane that makes an angle of 28 degrees to the horizontal is mounted on wheels. A small block of mass m=0.9kg rests on the plane, held there by a coefficient of static friction [mu]=0.73.
The plane is accelerating to the right. What is the minimum acceleration in order that the block slides down the plane?

So far I've only been able to draw the free body diagram. After that, I realize I have to apply Newton's 2nd law to the vertical and horizontal components, but that's where I start having trouble. I don't really know how to separate out the components :frown:

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
 
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Hi

Heres how u go about with the problem:

the vertical component of the acceleration is along the normal force and the horizontal component of the acceleration is along mgsin28 component. Thus a equilibrium, if a = min accln req by the mass to slide down:

μ*(masin28 + mgcos 28) = mgsin28 + macos28

From this a(0.73*sin28 - cos 28) = g(sin28 - 0.73*cos28)

Find out a by solving the above.

Got it?

Sridhar
 
Sorry for sounding like an idiot, but I'm not getting it.

I tried solving for a as you said, but I keep getting the wrong answer Maybe I'm just really bad at calculating numbers...

Thank you for the help anyways!
 
Sorry for sounding like an idiot, but I'm not getting it.

I tried solving for a as you said, but I keep getting the wrong answer Maybe I'm just really bad at calculating numbers...

Thank you for the help anyways!
 

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