Determining the Acceleration (Inclined Plane Problem)

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To determine the acceleration of a crate sliding down an inclined plane at 22.0° with a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.12, the normal force must first be calculated. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the correct application of forces, particularly the distinction between horizontal and vertical components. It is emphasized that friction opposes the motion, acting up the slope while the gravitational force acts down the slope. The initial calculations for acceleration were incorrect, and clarification is sought on the proper definitions and equations to use. Ultimately, the correct approach involves accurately defining forces and ensuring the right terminology is applied in the equations.
yandereni
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Homework Statement


A crate lies on a plane tilted at an angle θ = 22.0° to the horizontal, with μkin = 0.12.
a.) determine the acceleration of the crate as it slides down the plane
b.) if the carton starts from rest 9.30m up the plane from its base, what will be the carton's speed when it reaches the bottom?

this is the most confusing so far...

Homework Equations


ΣFhorizontal = Ffrict+Fgrav(sin22) = ma
ΣFvertical = Fnorm + Fgrav(cos22) = ma
Vfinal2= VInitial2 + 2a(displacement)
ples.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution


ΣFhorizontal = (0.12)(Fnorm)+Fgrav(sin22) = ma
= 0.12Fn + 0.375Fg=ma
= 0.12(0.279Fg + ma) = ma
= 0.111Fg + 0.12ma = ma
= 0.111Fg = 0.88ma
=Fg = 7.928ma
ΣFvertical = Fnorm + Fgrav(cos22) = ma
= Fn - 0.927Fg = ma
=Fn=0.927Fg+ma
= Fn= 0.927(7.928ma)
=Fn = 7.349ma

since I didnt really know what to do next..
7.928ma/7.349ma= 1.079
so i assumed that was the acceleration

then...

Vfinal2 = (0m/s)2 + (2)(1.079m/s2)(9.3m)
Vfinal2=(20.07m/s)
(Vfinal2)1/2=(20.07m/s)1/2
Vfinal=4.480m/sThanks in Advance!
 
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Your approach to part b) is correct, but the value for the acceleration is wrong.

To be honest, I couldn't really understand what you were doing in part a).

The first step is to find the normal force acting on the block. If we call this ##F_n##, can you work out what ##F_n## is?
 
You have written subscript "horizontal" where you should call it "down the slope". Similarly, you wrote "vertical" where you should have "normal to the slope".

Don't forget that friction acts opposite to the direction of motion. So with the block sliding down the slope here, friction will be acting up the slope.
 
yandereni said:
ΣFvertical = Fnorm + Fgrav(cos22) = ma
As NascentOxygen posted, you mean Fnormal, not Fvertical, but what is a in that equation? Yes, I know it's an acceleration, but what acceleration exactly?
 
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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