Calculate acceleration and speed of block

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration and speed of a block on an inclined plane, with a focus on understanding the implications of negative acceleration values and the role of friction in the equations used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the equations related to forces acting on the block, questioning the choice of direction for acceleration, and discussing the inclusion of friction in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning assumptions about the direction of forces and the role of friction, with some guidance offered regarding the implications of these choices. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet, as multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of modeling the surface as smooth, which raises questions about the necessity of including friction in the equations presented. The original poster's choice of direction for acceleration is also under scrutiny.

chwala
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Homework Statement
A block of wood of mass ##4## kg is released from rest on a plane inclined at ##30^0## to the horizontal. Assuming that the surface is modelled as smooth (no friction), calculate the acceleration of the block, and its speed after it has moved ##3## m.
Relevant Equations
Mechanics
Pretty straight forward, ...reason of posting is to check why i am having a negative value for ##a##.

From my study, i know that

##R(||)## to plane

##F - 40 \cos \dfrac{π}{3} = 4a##

##a = -5 m/s^2##

or can i as well have the equation ( friction and tension are at equilibrium) as,

##40 \cos \dfrac{π}{3} - F = 4a##

For second part,

##v^2 =u^2 +2as##

##v^2= 2×5×3##

...

##v = 5.48 m/s## to two decimal places.
 
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chwala said:
Pretty straight forward, ...reason of posting is to check why i am having a negative value for a.
You've chosen down the ramp to be the negative direction!

What is "F" supposed to be in your equation?
 
Doc Al said:
You've chosen down the ramp to be the negative direction!

What is "F" supposed to be in your equation?
Friction which is ##0##.
 
chwala said:
Assuming that the surface is modelled as smooth (no friction)
If friction is 0, why include it in your equation?
 

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