Acceleration Question for a High School Physics Lab

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a cart on an inclined plane at a 36-degree angle. To determine the acceleration, one must resolve the gravitational force into components along the incline. The relevant formula is a = g * sin(θ), where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²) and θ is the angle of the incline. A tutorial on vector resolution is provided for further clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine.
  • Knowledge of vector resolution techniques.
  • Basic mathematical skills for solving equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the tutorial on vector resolution provided at Glenbrook's physics site.
  • Practice calculating acceleration on inclined planes using different angles.
  • Explore the relationship between angle and acceleration in inclined plane problems.
  • Study the effects of friction on acceleration in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

High school physics students, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion on inclined planes.

equanox
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Hi there. I'm having issues with a high school lab that deals with acceleration of objects down inclined planes. At the top of my lab questions, there's a simple diagram (just a triangle with a rectangle on the hypotenuse, representing a cart), and one of the questions pertains to it:

What is the acceleration of the cart when the incline is at an angle of 36 degrees?

Basically, it's asking how to solve for acceleration of the object by giving just the angle. I am absolutely terrible when it comes to math and logic, so this may be a ridiculously simple problem, but nonetheless I do not know how to go about doing it. If anyone is willing to attempt to visualize this problem and give me pointers in solving it, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
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This is just about resolving vectors. There is quite a detailed tutorial on the following page.

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/Phys/Class/vectors/u3l3e.html

If you still have anything you need to clear up then you can always ask more question here. :smile:
 
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