How Is Acceleration Calculated for a Block on a Frictionless Surface?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the acceleration of a block being pulled on a frictionless surface, given a force applied at an angle. The subject area includes dynamics and vector decomposition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to resolve the problem by splitting the forces into x and y components and calculating the resultant acceleration. Some participants suggest focusing on the x component of the force to determine the horizontal acceleration specifically.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on focusing the analysis on the horizontal direction. There is an acknowledgment of the zero acceleration in the vertical direction, indicating a productive clarification of the problem's setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the angle of the applied force and its components, as well as the assumptions regarding motion on a frictionless surface.

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Homework Statement

A block of mass 6.7 kg is pulled along a horizontal frictionless floor by a cord that exerts a force of 56.0 N at an angle 27.9o above the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the block?

Homework Equations

f=ma



The Attempt at a Solution

i split my x and y coordinates and got x and y accelerations then used c^2=a^2+b^2 to find the magnitude of the acceleration and got 8.63m/s^2 but iam getting it wrong, please help thanks
 
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You only needed to find the x component of force and use F=ma to get the acceleration in the horizontal direction. The horizontal acceleration is the acceleration you're looking for.
 
Show how you wrote your net forces along x and y.
Is it possible to have acceleration along y?
 
oh ic now the acceleration in the y direction is zero. ok thanks!
 

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