Holding a block of mass in equilibrium on a slope

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a block of mass held in equilibrium on a 30-degree incline by a horizontal force of 500N. Participants are exploring the forces acting on the block and the relationship between the applied force and gravitational force components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the correctness of the initial solution and the angles involved between the forces. There is a suggestion to express the angles accurately and consider the net force along the incline. Some participants propose drawing a free body diagram to clarify the situation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering guidance on balancing forces along the incline and questioning the application of certain equations. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the angles between the forces and the context in which the equations apply. There is an emphasis on the net force along the incline needing to vanish since the block is not sliding.

adam19325
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Homework Statement


A block of mass is held in equilibrium on an incline of angle 30 degrees by the horizontal force 500N. Determine the blocks's weight, ignore friction.

Homework Equations


F = MA
Normal Force y = Fg*sin(theta)
Normal Force x = Fg*cos(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


WlLTfvI.jpg

I'm just wondering if this solution is correct. I'm worried because I think the angle is not the same for the horizontal force as the force of gravity pulling it downward.
 
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It is the forces along the incline that need to balance. You need to get correct expressions for the component of the applied force and for the gravitational force component along the incline. There is no requirement for the forces perpendicular to the incline, because the incline will supply the necessary force to balance any applied and/or gravitational forces in this direction.
 
adam19325 said:

Homework Statement


A block of mass is held in equilibrium on an incline of angle 30 degrees by the horizontal force 500N. Determine the blocks's weight, ignore friction.

Homework Equations


F = MA
Normal Force y = Fg*sin(theta)
Normal Force x = Fg*cos(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


WlLTfvI.jpg

I'm just wondering if this solution is correct. I'm worried because I think the angle is not the same for the horizontal force as the force of gravity pulling it downward.
express correctly the angles (between the forces).
For example what is the angle between horizontal push and the inclined plane?
Secondly the block is not sliding so net force along the incline must vanish-
you may draw a free body diagram?[/QUOTE]
 
So would it be 500*cos(30) = mg * sin(30)
 
adam19325 said:
So would it be 500*cos(30) = mg * sin(30)

It seems to be correct - actually the angle made by F with perpendicular to the incline is (90 -30) degrees.
 
adam19325 said:
Normal Force y = Fg*sin(theta)
Normal Force x = Fg*cos(theta)
I don't know what situation those equations apply to, but it's not this one. There is no value in remembering equations separately from the context in which they apply.
 

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