Finding acceleration of a block on the way down an incline

AI Thread Summary
To find the acceleration of a block sliding down a 40-degree steel incline, the relevant formula is a = g (sinθ - μcosθ), where g is the acceleration due to gravity, θ is the incline angle, and μ is the coefficient of kinetic friction. The coefficients provided are μs = 0.6 and μk = 0.3, with the block's mass being 2.00 kg. A discrepancy arose between two calculations, with one person obtaining 4.04 m/s² and another 9.26 m/s² due to potential calculator settings. The resolution involved ensuring the calculator was set to degrees, leading to the correct computation. Proper setup and understanding of the equations are crucial for accurate results in physics problems like this.
Maylandra
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Homework Statement


Find acceleration of block on the way down incline.
The incline is 40 degrees and made of steel. The block is also made of steel.
μs = 0.6
μk = 0.3
mass of block = 2.00 kg

Homework Equations


a = g (sinθ - μcosθ)
a = F/m

The Attempt at a Solution


My friend is getting 4.04 somehow. When I plug the numbers in, using the coefficient of kinetic friction, I get 9.26.
 
Last edited:
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First set your calculator to degrees instead of radians. Where are your equations coming from? Which is correctt and why?
 
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PhanthomJay said:
First set your calculator to degrees instead of radians. Where are your equations coming from? Which is correctt and why?
lol well that's embarassing. Thanks, I would've been working on that for hours. I got it now
 
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