Calculating Average Velocity and Forces on an Inclined Plane"

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating average velocity and forces acting on a block sliding down an inclined plane. The angle of elevation is determined using trigonometric principles, specifically the sine function, where the elevation blocks represent the opposite side of the triangle formed with the inclined plane. The normal force, gravitational force, and frictional force are identified in a free-body diagram. Additionally, average velocity is calculated using the formula velocity = distance/time, with negative average velocity indicating motion in the opposite direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometry, specifically sine functions
  • Knowledge of free-body diagrams and forces (normal force, gravitational force, friction)
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, particularly average velocity calculations
  • Basic physics concepts related to inclined planes and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about calculating angles of elevation using trigonometric ratios
  • Study free-body diagram construction for various physical scenarios
  • Explore kinematic equations in-depth, focusing on average and instantaneous velocity
  • Investigate the effects of friction on motion down an inclined plane
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and inclined plane problems, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to forces and motion.

buffgilville
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I tried doing these but my teacher has not gone over forces yet. Please help.

1) Two calibrated elevation blocks have a combined thickness of 1.86 cm. Find the angle of elevation of the 1.00-meter long track for this situation.

2) A block having mass M slides down an inclined plane. THe force of friction between the plane and the inclined plane is f , the block's weight is Mg and the normal force is N . Draw a freebody force diagram showing the forces acting on the block.

3) For the following position versus time values, calculate the average velocity for each of the four time intervals. What is the physical meaning of a negative average velcity?
Position (m) 1.24, 1.57, 2.63, 2.25, 2.00
Time (s) 1.00, 1.74, 2.33, 2.70, 3.00
 
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I don't quite understand the first question, but I can help you with the next two.
2) The normal force is acting perpendicular to the surface of the inclined plane( pointing away and up from the inclined plane). Fg points straight down, and the frictional force points parallel to the incline (against the motion of the object).
3)velocity = distance/time
-ve velocity simply means an object is traveling in a negative direction.
 
Think the first one is trigonometry:
The elevation blocks form the side "opposite" to the angle of elevation of length or height 0.0186m

The 1.00m track is the hypotenuse in this case joining the top of the block to the angle you are looking for.

So it should be: sin(angle of elevation) = opp/hyp = 0.0186/1.00

I don't have a calc handy, but the answer should be pretty small.
 
Thanks you guys for all your help!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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