Can someone me find the magnitude of acceleration using forces?

In summary, a mass of 8 kg on a frictionless, horizontal floor is subjected to a force of 145 N at an unknown angle and a force of 16 N at an angle of 24.5 degrees. To make the object start to leave the surface, the vertical component of the applied force must be equal to the weight of the object. Using this condition, the angle is found to be 35.9 degrees and the corresponding acceleration is determined by resolving horizontal forces.
  • #1
shaunamariexx
2
0

Homework Statement


A mass of 8 kg lies on a frictionless, horizontal floor. A force of 145 Newtons is applied to the mass at an angle above the positive x-axis and a force of 16 Newtons is applied to the mass at an angle of 24.5 degrees below the negative x direction. If the angle for 145 Newtons is increased until the object just starts to leave the surface, what is the magnitude of the acceleration on the mass in m/s2 at this point?

The Attempt at a Solution


F1=145 N with unknown angle
F2=16 N with angle of 24.5 degrees
F=ma
145N=8kg(a)
a=18.125

Is this correct?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The solution is incorrect. wouldn't you suspect anything when the question gives so many variables and yet you only used half of them? :tongue2:

First, what makes the object leave the floor?

Its the vertical force! So resolve everything in vertical form...
Force upward is equal force downward at point of leaving surface.

145sinθ=16sin(24.5)+8(9.8) <---assume gravity is 9.8

then you will get θ=35.9° (3 s.f)

Using the angle, you can find the acceleration, by resolving horizontal forces.
 

1. How do you calculate the magnitude of acceleration using forces?

The magnitude of acceleration can be calculated by dividing the net force acting on an object by its mass. This can be represented by the equation a = F/m, where a is the acceleration, F is the net force, and m is the mass of the object.

2. What units are used to measure acceleration?

The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²). However, other units such as feet per second squared (ft/s²) and kilometers per hour squared (km/h²) are also commonly used.

3. Are there any other factors that affect acceleration besides force?

Yes, acceleration can also be affected by the frictional forces acting on an object, as well as the object's initial velocity and the direction of the net force.

4. Can the magnitude of acceleration be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of acceleration can be negative. This indicates that the object is accelerating in the opposite direction of the applied force.

5. Can the magnitude of acceleration be greater than the force?

No, the magnitude of acceleration cannot be greater than the force. The acceleration is directly proportional to the force, so the magnitude of acceleration cannot be larger than the magnitude of the force acting on the object.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
827
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
498
Replies
6
Views
634
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
743
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
797
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top