Does this make sense? Something hanging from an accelerating object

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cheeseburger
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Accelerating
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angle of a string hanging from a rearview mirror while a car accelerates. The acceleration of the car is given as 4.67 m/s², and the gravitational acceleration is 9.8 m/s². The angle with the vertical is determined using the arctangent function, resulting in an angle of 25.43 degrees. The solution is confirmed as correct, emphasizing the simplicity of the calculation when the necessary parameters are known.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as acceleration and gravity
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically arctangent
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Ability to perform arithmetic calculations accurately
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of forces acting on objects in motion
  • Learn more about kinematic equations and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of tension in strings and its relation to angles
  • Investigate real-world applications of acceleration and angle calculations in automotive physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of objects in motion, particularly in relation to acceleration and forces.

Cheeseburger
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A pair of fuzzy dice is hanging by a string from your rearview mirror. While you are accelerating from a stoplight to 28m/s in 6s, what angle does the string make with the vertical?


Homework Equations


g, accel. of car is 4 2/3 m/s^2


The Attempt at a Solution


http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/8594/physwl0.png

I just figured the two accelerations were all that was necessary since the string length and mass are not given. So the angle is arctan(4.66/9.8) or 25.43 degrees? I did this in class in under a minute and it seems right but on the other hand it also seems too easy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes it is that easy (assuming your arithmatic is correct)
 

Similar threads

A small mass m hangs from a thing string and can swing....
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
What Angle Does the String Make with the Vertical While Accelerating?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Why Does a Graduation Tassel Deflect Backward When a Car Accelerates?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
Solving Fuzzy Dice Question: Finding Car Acceleration
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Forces-Newton's Laws and Vectors
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
What is the angle of a hanging dice during acceleration?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Angle of fuzzy dice when moving Just want to check
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Centripetal acceleration turntable problem
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
Angular acceleration for one gear to another
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Find car's acceleration based on a die's angle
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K