# Homework Help: Inclined ramp problem

1. Feb 9, 2007

### mcstink

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A block of mass 2.1 kg is placed on a frictionless inclined ramp of mass 20.0 kg, with the angle θ= 31o as shown below.

http://s4.lite.msu.edu/res/msu/physicslib/msuphysicslib/09_Force_and_Motion/graphics/prob91_plane2.gif

Calculate the size of the net horizontal force that must be applied to the ramp to prevent the block from accelerating with respect to the ramp?

2. Relevant equations

mgsin(theta) = F of the small block

3. The attempt at a solution

i've used the data to find the acceleration of the small block (5.0474). but i'm not sure where to go from there. i've tried multiplying by the mass of both block and that didn't work. anyone want to help?

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 22, 2017
2. Feb 9, 2007

### Staff: Mentor

You've calculated the acceleration (parallel to the incline) that the small block would have if it slid down a fixed frictionless ramp--but that's not relevant here. (After all, you are trying to prevent the small block from sliding down.)

Hint: Start by analyzing the forces acting on the small block.

3. Feb 9, 2007

### Weave

Start with drawing a free body diagram and identifing all the forces.

Look at:

$$\sum F_{x}=\\w_{x}\\-f_{s}=\\0$$
$$\sum F_{y}=\\n_{y}-\\w_{y}=\\0$$
and $$f_{s}=\\u_{s}\\n$$

Last edited: Feb 9, 2007
4. Feb 9, 2007

### mcstink

okay i'm not quite sure i know all of those abbreviations.

but i think the only forces acting on the small box is the force as it slides down the plane (from gravity) and the force from the ramp from it being pulled. the normal force cancels out with mgcos(theta) and there is no friction. how would i set this up?

5. Feb 9, 2007

### *best&sweetest*

force from gravity is weight and it acts all the time not only as it slides down...
use Newton's II Law,
and, yes there are only 2 forces

6. Feb 9, 2007

### Staff: Mentor

Right. There are two forces acting on the small box: gravity and the normal force from the ramp.
Not sure what you mean here.

Hint: The vertical component of the normal force must balance the weight of the small box, since it has no vertical acceleration.

Your first goal is to find the acceleration that the small box must have for it not to slide down the ramp.

7. Feb 9, 2007

### Weave

Well,
Since: $$\sum F_{x}=\\w_{x}\\-f_{s}=\\0$$ Newtons First Law because we want no net force/accleration
$$f_{s}=\\w_{x}$$
$$f_{s}=\\mgsin(\theta)$$

Last edited: Feb 9, 2007
8. Feb 9, 2007

### Staff: Mentor

Careful about using the ramp as a reference, which I think is what you are doing here. Since the ramp is accelerating it is a non-inertial frame.

9. Feb 3, 2008

### NAkid

hi i'm having trouble with this question s well, though i have different numbers. but just in terms of setting it up, i was able to calculate the vertical forces acting on the small block, but what is the acceleration supposed to be?

I have

Fy=F_s - mgsin(theta)=ma

what is a supposed to be? 0? I think it should be 0, because you want zero acceleration, but then what to do with the ramp forces..?

10. Feb 3, 2008

### NAkid

or should the accelerations of the block and ramp be the same?