Find the x component for the force parallel using xcos

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics question about a block on an incline. The question asks for the force parallel to the plane, acceleration without friction, coefficient of friction at the point of sliding, and acceleration with a coefficient of sliding friction of 0.350. The conversation also advises studying the textbook chapter on resolution of vectors and suggests looking at tutorials for further help. It reminds the person to provide all necessary information and to draw a free body diagram before solving the problem.
  • #1
lilkrazyrae
64
0
A block weighing 95.0 lbs is on a 34.5 degree plane. Find the force parallel to the plane, the acceleration if there is no friction, the coefficient of friction if the object is just at the point of sliding, and the acceleration if coefficient of sliding friction is .350.
Do you find the x component for the force parallel using xcos(theta)? I need some help with the rest!
 
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  • #2
1. This is an Introductory Physics question.

2. In "xcosy" what are x and y ? :confused:

3. You need to study your textbook chapter on resolution of vectors.

4. There are some tutorials you can look into here : https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=151

PS : It's good practice to use a descriptive title like "block on incline".
 
  • #3
Gokul43201 said:
1. This is an Introductory Physics question.
I've moved this from the Advanced Physics forum.
 
  • #4
hey i meant theta but there is no key for that so i substituted y
 
  • #5
Okay, but you still have to tell us what "x" and [itex]\theta[/itex] refer to. Depending on that, your answer (so far) could be right or wrong.

Please try and communicate all the information, in as clear a manner as possible.
 
  • #6
1. Did you draw the free body diagram ? Do not write down any equations unless you've done this.

2. What are all the forces acting on the block ? If some of these forces are not acting along a direction parallel or perpendicular to the incline, resolve these forces along these directions.

3. Apply Newton's Second Law to each direction, after finding the net force in that direction.
 

What is "Find the x component for the force parallel using xcos"?

"Find the x component for the force parallel using xcos" is a mathematical formula used to determine the horizontal component of a force vector when given the magnitude of the force and the angle at which it acts.

What is xcos?

xcos is a mathematical function that represents the cosine of an angle. It is commonly used in trigonometry and vector analysis to determine the horizontal or vertical components of a vector.

Why is it important to find the x component of a force?

The x component of a force is important because it allows us to understand the direction and magnitude of the force in a specific direction. This information is crucial in many scientific fields, such as engineering and physics, where forces play a significant role in the analysis of systems and structures.

What is the process for finding the x component of a force using xcos?

The process for finding the x component of a force using xcos involves first identifying the magnitude of the force and the angle at which it acts. Then, using the formula xcos = F * cos(theta), where F is the magnitude of the force and theta is the angle, the x component can be calculated. The resulting value will be the horizontal component of the force.

Can xcos be used for forces acting at any angle?

Yes, xcos can be used for forces acting at any angle. The xcos function is a general mathematical representation of the cosine of an angle and can be used to find the horizontal component of a force at any angle, whether it is acute, right, or obtuse.

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