Magnitude of acceleration of a block of mass

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block of mass being pulled on a frictionless surface. The original poster is seeking to determine the magnitude of the acceleration of the block and the normal force acting on it, expressing difficulty with the underlying concepts and equations related to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Newton's second law (F=ma) but expresses uncertainty about the correct application of forces, particularly regarding the horizontal component of the pulling force. Other participants suggest focusing on the horizontal forces to find acceleration and clarify the distinction between magnitude and direction of vector quantities.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on how to approach the calculation of acceleration. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the concepts of vector quantities and their magnitudes, though no consensus or complete resolution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions confusion stemming from the textbook's explanations and the need for clearer guidance on the equations involved in solving the problem.

bearhug
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A block of mass 7.0 kg is pulled along a horizontal frictionless floor by a cord that exerts a force of 37.0 N at an angle 34.1° above the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the block?
What is the magnitude of the normal force exerted on the mass by the floor?

I've been having trouble with these kind of problems. The equations in my book aren't very well explained, basically the book doesn't explain where these equations are coming from. This is the main reason why I'm having a hard time with these kind of problems. Anyway for the first question I thought that F=ma so I plugged in mass and the force to get acceleration, but I believe that is wrong. Any help as to what equations I need to use maybe with explanations would be a great help.
 
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Since the block only moves horizontally (the forces in the vertical direction will add to zero) you need to use the horizontal component of the force on the block to find its acceleration.
 
Ok but once you have the acceleration, how do you find the magnitude of it? Sorry for necroing this, but I have the same exact question. Magnitude of acceleration? Have no clue how to find that.
 
Vector quantities, such as acceleration, have both magnitude (an amount) and direction. Here they just want the magnitude, so forget about direction.
 

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