Acceleration on an inclined plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final speed of a skateboarder at the bottom of a 6.2 m long ramp inclined at 13° with an initial speed of 2.1 m/s. Two primary methods are proposed for solving the problem: the conservation of energy approach, which equates the change in kinetic energy to the change in gravitational potential energy, and the force-acceleration method, which involves calculating the net force along the incline to determine acceleration and applying the third equation of motion. The initial velocity components were calculated as 2.05 m/s (x-component) and 0.47 m/s (y-component).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as force and acceleration (F = ma).
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in physics.
  • Familiarity with the third equation of motion for uniformly accelerated motion.
  • Ability to resolve vectors into components (horizontal and vertical).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of mechanical energy in physics.
  • Learn how to apply the third equation of motion in various scenarios.
  • Explore vector resolution techniques for analyzing motion on inclined planes.
  • Investigate the effects of friction on inclined plane problems.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and inclined plane problems, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in kinematics.

Ohoneo
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Homework Statement


A student is skateboarding down a ramp that is 6.2 m long and inclined at 13° with respect to the horizontal. The initial speed of the skateboarder at the top of the ramp is 2.1 m/s. Neglect friction and find the speed at the bottom of the ramp.


Homework Equations


F = ma
Not sure what else



The Attempt at a Solution


I honestly don't know where to start with this. There's no problem like this in the reference chapters.
I found the initial velocity components of the skateboarder.
x component = 2.05
y component = 0.47

But I'm stuck from here =/
 
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Two ways to approach the problem:
1. Use conservation of energy. Equate the change in net kinetic energy of the body to the change in the gravitational potential energy.
2. Use force-acceleration method. Find out the net force acting on the body along the incline and hence the net acceleration of it. You know the initial velocity, you know the distance traveled by the body. Use the third equation of motion to obtain the velocity at the bottom of the ramp.
 

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