Inclination of a Table

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In summary, the conversation discusses a physics student's observation on an air hockey table, where a puck is given a velocity along the length of the table and drifts a certain distance to the right. The student correctly concludes that the table is not level and calculates its inclination using the given information. The conversation also includes attempts to find the angle and a discussion on the forces acting on the puck and its displacement.
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linds13088
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Inclination of a Table-PLEASE HELP

A physics student playing with an air hockey table (a frictionless surface) finds that if she gives the puck a velocity of 3.80 m/s along the length ( 1.67 m ) of the table at one end, by the time it has reached the other end the puck has drifted a distance 2.44 cm to the right but still has a velocity component along the length of 3.80m/s . She concludes correctly that the table is not level and correctly calculates its inclination from the above information.

I converted the 2.44 cm to meters, which would then be .0244 m. And then I'm not sure what do after that. I attempted to find the angle with the 1.67 m being the hypotonese and the .0244 to be the adjacent. This however gave the answer to be 1 degrees. Which is incorrect. I don't really know where to begin?

g is given as 9.8 m/s^2
 
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  • #2
Draw a freebody diagram of the puck... what are the forces acting on it? What is the force acting along the direction of displacement?

First how long does it take the puck to make the trip...

Suppose the table was inclined at an angle theta. How much would it drift in terms of theta. What is the force that is making it drift?
 
  • #3
, and we can use the equation for horizontal displacement: x = v*t. In this case, the initial velocity (v) is 3.80 m/s and the time (t) is the time it takes for the puck to travel the length of the table, which is 1.67 m/3.80 m/s = 0.439 seconds.

Now, we can use the equation for vertical displacement: y = 0.5*g*t^2. In this case, the vertical displacement (y) is 0.0244 m and the time (t) is 0.439 seconds. Plugging in these values, we get:

0.0244 m = 0.5*9.8 m/s^2*(0.439 s)^2

Solving for g, we get g = 0.111 m/s^2.

Since the table is not level, the acceleration due to gravity is not 9.8 m/s^2, but rather 0.111 m/s^2. This means that the table is inclined at an angle of arctan(0.111/9.8) = 0.67 degrees.

Therefore, the inclination of the table is approximately 0.67 degrees. This small angle may not be easily noticeable, but it is enough to cause the puck to drift off course.
 

1. What is the inclination of a table?

The inclination of a table refers to the angle at which the table's surface is tilted in relation to the ground or horizontal plane.

2. How is the inclination of a table measured?

The inclination of a table is measured using a protractor or an inclinometer, which measures the angle between the surface of the table and the ground.

3. What factors can affect the inclination of a table?

The inclination of a table can be affected by the table's design, weight distribution, and the surface it is placed on. Uneven floors or surfaces can also impact the inclination of a table.

4. Why is the inclination of a table important?

The inclination of a table is important for various reasons. It can affect the stability of the table and its ability to hold objects without them sliding off. It can also impact the comfort and ergonomics of using the table for various activities.

5. Can the inclination of a table be adjusted?

Yes, the inclination of a table can be adjusted by using adjustable legs or adding shims to level the table on uneven surfaces. Some tables also have adjustable mechanisms to change the angle of the surface itself.

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