How do I find the acceleration of a crate based on weight?

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SUMMARY

The acceleration of a 32 kg crate pushed with a force of 220 N at an angle of 21 degrees below the horizontal, with a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.45, is calculated to be 0.865 m/s². The relevant equation for this scenario is derived from Newton's second law, factoring in the normal force and friction. The correct approach involves resolving the applied force into its x and y components and applying the formula a = g(sinθ - μkcosθ). Misapplication of the formula for motion on a slope led to confusion in the initial calculations.

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spider3367
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I'm a little confused on how to complete this problem. Any help would be appreciated

A 32 kg crate is pushed on a floor with a kinetic friction coefficient of .45. If the crate is pushed with a force of 220 N at an angle of 21 degrees below the horizontal, then what is the acceleration of the crate?
 
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Acceleration of a Crate

1. A 32 kg crate is pushed on a floor with a kinetic friction coefficient of .45. If the crate is pushed with a force of 220 N at an angle of 21 degrees below the horizontal, then what is the acceleration of the crate?Relevant equations
a=g(sinθ-μkcosθ)

μk=-a/g3. The Attempt at a Solution
a=9.81(.3584-.4201)
a=-.604 m/s2
 
Last edited:
Draw the free body diagram for the object. Split the force into its x and y components. Then simply use Newton's 2nd law
 


<br /> \vec F_{Lorentz}=0
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi spider3367! Welcome to PF! :smile:
spider3367 said:
1. A 32 kg crate is pushed on a floor with a kinetic friction coefficient of .45. If the crate is pushed with a force of 220 N at an angle of 21 degrees below the horizontal, then what is the acceleration of the crate?

Relevant equations
a=g(sinθ-μkcosθ)

erm :redface: … that's completely the wrong formula (it looks like the formula for steady motion on a slope, of angle θ).

This is a flat floor, and the normal force is greater than usual because the applied force (of 220 N) is increasing it.
der.physika said:
<br /> \vec F_{Lorentz}=0

uhh? what's FLorentz ? :confused:
 


I forgot to add that I am given the answer: .865m/s2. I just need to show how to arrive at it. I assumed the 220cos (21)-.45(32)(29)/32 was the correct way to do it as mentioned above, but clearly that does not come out to .865. What am I doing wrong?
 
(two threads merged)
 

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