Applied force in horizontal direction on block on a inclined plane.

In summary, the problem involves a 10kg block on an inclined plane with a 32-degree angle and a frictionless surface. An applied force of 120N is acting horizontally. Using the equation Fnet=ma, the net force is calculated by adding the force of gravity (mgsin32) and the horizontal force (xcos32). Solving for x, we get 141.5N. Subtracting the force of gravity, we get the net force applied to the block, which is then used to calculate the acceleration of the block using Fnet=ma. The correct answer is 5.0m/s^2, which is found by using the correct component of the applied force along the plane, rather
  • #1
get_physical
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Homework Statement


10kg block on a inclined plane (32degrees) (frictionless) and an applied force 120N horizontally. What is acceleration?


Homework Equations



Fnet = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



mgsin32 = 51.9N (from mg)
From applied force, in the same plane, we have xcos32=120 therefore, x = 141.5
141.5-51.9=ma
a=9m/s^2 but the answer is 5.0m/s^2
 
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  • #2
get_physical said:
... From applied force, in the same plane, we have xcos32=120 therefore, x = 141.5...

Explain how you got xcos32=120
 
  • #3
because the horizontal force is 120N, so I need to find the hypotenuse component. the angle in that triangle is also 32, so xcos32 = 120
 
  • #4
Think carefully.

The horizontal force of 120N has a component along the plane and another component perpendicular to the plane and you need to find the component along the plane.
 
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  • #5
Let me think...
 
  • #6
Remember that when a force is resolved into components, the force itself will be what you are calling the 'hypotenuse'.
 
  • #7
Oh I get it now! Thank you!
 

1. What is an applied force in the horizontal direction?

An applied force in the horizontal direction is a force that is applied to an object in a direction parallel to the surface it is on. This force can either be pushing or pulling the object.

2. What is an inclined plane?

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is angled or sloped, often used to make it easier to move objects from one height to another. It reduces the amount of force needed to move an object by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.

3. How does applied force affect a block on an inclined plane?

The applied force in the horizontal direction on a block on an inclined plane will determine the acceleration and movement of the block. If the applied force is greater than the force of gravity pulling the block down the incline, the block will move up the incline. If the applied force is less than the force of gravity, the block will move down the incline. If the applied force is equal to the force of gravity, the block will remain at a constant speed.

4. How can the applied force be calculated on a block on an inclined plane?

The applied force can be calculated using the formula F = ma, where F is the applied force, m is the mass of the block, and a is the acceleration. The acceleration can be calculated using the formula a = sin(θ), where θ is the angle of the incline.

5. What is the relationship between the applied force and the angle of the incline?

The relationship between the applied force and the angle of the incline is inverse. As the angle of the incline increases, the force needed to move the block up the incline decreases, and the force needed to move the block down the incline increases. This is because the steeper the incline, the greater the component of the force of gravity acting against the direction of movement.

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