Help with block of ice on an incline, and friction

In summary, a block of ice is released from rest at the top of a 1.03m-long frictionless ramp, reaching a speed of 2.81m/s at the bottom. To find the angle between the ramp and horizontal, the equation V^2=V0^2+2ay is used. The mass does not come into play in this equation. For the second part, the equation mg(sin \theta) = ma is used to find the acceleration. The speed of the ice at the bottom would be 1.76 m/s if the motion were opposed by a constant friction force of 10.7 parallel to the surface of the ramp.
  • #1
DrManhattanVB
21
0

Homework Statement


A 8.80-kg block of ice, released from rest at the top of a 1.03m--long frictionless ramp, slides downhill, reaching a speed of 2.81m/s at the bottom.

need to find the angle between the ramp and horizontal, and what would be the speed of the ice at the bottom if the motion were opposed by a constant friction force of 10.7 parallel to the surface of the ramp?

Homework Equations



V^2=V0^2+2ay
F=mg or ma
frictional force =mu*F

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to find the angle by using the equation :V^2=V0^2+2ay
with it being 2.8^2=(2)(9.8)(1.3)sin(x) with x being the angle, I got 17.9, which didnt work. also i don't see how the mass comes into play in this equation.

Thank you for any help
 
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  • #2
Hi,

Are you sure that the problem is not just that you used 1.3 m for the length of the ramp when it is in fact 1.03 m long? The equation you have chosen does seem appropriate -- you want to find the acceleration given the distance traveled and the final velocity reached.

The mass doesn't come into play, since it has effectively already been canceled from both sides of the equation. Although more massive things have more inertia (in proportion to their mass) and are hence harder to acceleratate, they also have more weight (i.e. gravity pulls on them harder, also in proportion to their mass). These two effects cancel each other out, leading to the result that, for acceleration only under gravity, all objects will accelerate down the ramp at the same rate. This result will no longer be true once you throw in friction.
 
  • #3
Thank you! i was using the wrong number!

can I get some help with the second part please?
 
  • #4
2.82=2(x)(1.03)
7.84=2.06x
Divide by 2.06
x=3.806 m/s2 (acceleration)
mg(sin [tex]\theta[/tex]) = ma
Divide by m..
g sin theta = a
9.8 sin [tex]\theta[/tex] = 3.806
sin [tex]\theta[/tex] = .3883
[tex]\theta[/tex] = sin-1(.3883)
[tex]\theta[/tex] = 22.852

Not sure if it's right, but I'm just going to guess?

EDIT: I'd also like to know if this is right lol
 
  • #5
yes that is the correct answer. I am looking for help now on what would be the speed of the ice at the bottom if the motion were opposed by a constant friction force of 10.7 parallel to the surface of the ramp?
 

FAQ: Help with block of ice on an incline, and friction

1. What is the relationship between the block of ice on an incline and friction?

The block of ice on an incline experiences friction due to the contact between the ice and the incline surface. Friction is the force that opposes the motion of the block of ice and is dependent on the weight of the block, the angle of the incline, and the coefficient of friction between the ice and the incline surface.

2. How does the angle of the incline affect the block of ice?

The steeper the incline, the greater the force of gravity acting on the block of ice. This results in a larger normal force between the ice and the incline surface, which in turn increases the friction force. Therefore, the higher the angle of the incline, the more difficult it is for the block of ice to move.

3. Can the block of ice move on its own on an incline?

No, the block of ice cannot move on its own on an incline. The force of gravity pulling the block of ice downwards is counteracted by the normal force and the friction force. In order for the block of ice to move, an external force must be applied to overcome the friction force.

4. How does the weight of the block of ice affect the friction force on an incline?

The weight of the block of ice plays a significant role in determining the friction force on an incline. The larger the weight of the block, the greater the normal force between the ice and the incline surface, resulting in a larger friction force. This means that a heavier block of ice will require more force to be moved up an incline compared to a lighter block.

5. How can we reduce the friction force on an incline for the block of ice?

There are a few ways to reduce the friction force on an incline for the block of ice. One way is to decrease the weight of the block, which will result in a smaller normal force and thus, a smaller friction force. Another way is to decrease the coefficient of friction between the ice and the incline surface by using a smoother surface or applying a lubricant. Additionally, reducing the angle of the incline can also decrease the friction force on the block of ice.

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