How Does Newton's Third Law Apply to a Particle on Different Slopes?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a particle being towed up an inclined plane and then transitioning to a horizontal slope. The problem specifically examines the application of Newton's Third Law and the resulting acceleration of the particle under the influence of a towing force and friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the coefficient of friction and its implications on the forces acting on the particle. There are attempts to reconcile differing results for the acceleration of the particle, with some questioning the interpretation of the forces at play when transitioning from the inclined plane to the horizontal slope.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the calculations of forces and the coefficient of friction. Some participants have arrived at the same conclusion regarding the coefficient of friction, while others have noted discrepancies in the acceleration results. Guidance has been offered regarding the calculations, but no consensus has been reached on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of an A level Mechanics problem, which may impose specific assumptions about the forces and motion involved. There is an ongoing examination of the definitions and setups used in the problem, particularly concerning the application of Newton's laws in different contexts.

ecy5maa
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Homework Statement



A particle of mass 4kg is being towed at a constant speed up a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal by a force 4g N acting parallel to the slope. At the top of the slope the particle moves onto a rough horizontal slope with the same coefficient of friction. If the towing force continues to act in the same direction, show that the particle undergoes an acceleration of

\frac{g\sqrt{3}}{6} m.second square

Homework Equations



basically use F=ma and get the answer where m=4kg

The Attempt at a Solution



1. On the inclined plane coefficient of friction was calculated as 1/ (sqrt 3)

2.Since they say the force of 4g will be acting in the same direction even when it is on the horizontal plane i took this too mean that 4g will be acting at an angle 30 degrees to the horizontal when the particle is on a horizontal plane..

This way Reaction force would be 4g-4gsin30= 2g

And net force would be equal too

4a= 4gcos30 - 2g/ (sqrt 3)


which makes a = \frac{g\sqrt{3}}{3} m.second square which is twice the answer that is given.


Can some one please check this out. Its from an A level Mechanics book
 
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For what it's worth, I also ended up with your answer that a = g\sqrt{3}/3
 
ecy5maa said:

Homework Statement



A particle of mass 4kg is being towed at a constant speed up a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal by a force 4g N acting parallel to the slope. At the top of the slope the particle moves onto a rough horizontal slope with the same coefficient of friction. If the towing force continues to act in the same direction, show that the particle undergoes an acceleration of

\frac{g\sqrt{3}}{6} m.second square

Homework Equations



basically use F=ma and get the answer where m=4kg

The Attempt at a Solution



1. On the inclined plane coefficient of friction was calculated as 1/ (sqrt 3)


Can some one please check this out. Its from an A level Mechanics book

Show how you calculate the coefficient of friction, μ.

I get, \mu=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\,.

Added in an edit. Ignore this post!
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:

Show how you calculate the coefficient of friction, μ.

I get, \mu=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\,.

I ended up with μ = 1/√3, which agrees with the original poster. (The pulling force must be equal in magnitude to the frictional force plus the component of gravitational force parallel to the slope.) But I'll let ecy5maa comment further.
 
collinsmark said:
I ended up with μ = 1/√3, which agrees with the original poster. (The pulling force must be equal in magnitude to the frictional force plus the component of gravitational force parallel to the slope.) But I'll let ecy5maa comment further.

I agree.

μ = 1/√3
 

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