Calculate acceleration and speed of block

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating acceleration and speed of a block on a ramp, specifically addressing the negative value for acceleration (a) derived from the equation ##F - 40 \cos \dfrac{π}{3} = 4a##, resulting in ##a = -5 m/s^2##. The user also calculates the final speed (v) using the equation ##v^2 = u^2 + 2as##, yielding ##v = 5.48 m/s##. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly defining forces in the equations, particularly the role of friction, which is assumed to be zero in this scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic trigonometry for resolving forces
  • Knowledge of frictionless surfaces in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of negative acceleration in physics problems
  • Learn about the role of friction in force equations
  • Explore advanced kinematic equations for varying acceleration
  • Investigate real-world applications of motion on inclined planes
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding dynamics and motion on inclined planes.

chwala
Gold Member
Messages
2,828
Reaction score
420
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
822
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K