Box sliding on 35 degree grade

AI Thread Summary
A box sliding down a frictionless incline at a 35-degree angle is affected by a horizontal force equal to half its weight, pressing it against the plane. This horizontal force alters the normal force acting on the box, which in turn influences its acceleration. The discussion highlights confusion over the role of the horizontal force and the need for a free body diagram to clarify the forces at play. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly identifying the gravitational components and normal forces in the problem. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurately determining the box's acceleration.
joel amos
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A box slides down a frictionless plane that makes an angle of 35 degrees with the horizontal. A horizontal force of half the box's weight presses the box against the plane. What is the box's acceleration?

I'm confused as to what kind of effect would a horizontal force have on an object sliding on a grade? I'm not really sure how to do this problem. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
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I don't understand what this problem is saying, because any object you put on a frictionless 35 degree incline will always accelerate at the same rate regardless of mass. Is the horizontal force you're talking about an extra force being applied to the block by something else?
 
The posed question is the question in its entirety...and off of a test at that.
 
Start by drawing (and posting) the free body diagram.
 
Here 'tis. I wasn't exactly sure what the horizontal force was...
http://imageshack.us/a/img854/8639/problem4l.png
 
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The horizontal force should be applied horizontally. There will be a normal reaction force in response to this horizontal force.

mg is a force and there will be a normal reaction force to this as well.

Total of 4 forces. Your FF looks wrong. As well as your mg cosθ and mg sinθ.
 
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