QUICK calculation help - Why is my equation not giving right answer? Thanks

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving the calculation of acceleration for a mass sliding down a ramp using Newton's second law. The user is applying the equation but is not obtaining the expected result of 5.55 m/s², instead calculating 1.10986 m/s². The equation used is based on the forces acting on the mass, but the user may be misapplying the values or not accounting for all forces correctly. The correct approach involves ensuring that the net force is accurately calculated and divided by the mass to find acceleration. Clarifying the application of sine and the forces involved could resolve the discrepancy in the calculations.
nukeman
Messages
651
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Ok, I am doing a problem where I am finding the acceleration of a mass sliding down a ramp.

I am now inputting the variables into Newtons 2nd law, and have the correct equation, but its not giving me the right answer. What am I doing wrong.

Here is the quation: finding acceleration.

(.2)(9.8ms^2)sin40 - (.1)(1.5N)


The answer is suppose to be 5.55 m/s^2

But I am getting 1.10986 ?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
divide by .2.
. Newtons second law states that f=ma. So ure equation is:(.2)(9.8ms^2)sin40 - (.1)(1.5N)=ma, so to find a, you have to divide by .2, which I assume is the mass.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Atwood's with a cylinder - Rotational Motion
Replies
13
Views
855
Explanation for Newton II giving negative mass in my Physics lab results please
Replies
44
Views
3K
Calculating Moment of Inertia for Hollow Cylinder w/ Water
Replies
40
Views
5K
Having a hard time learning Newton's 2nd law
Replies
5
Views
2K
Irodov 1.23 confusion: Calculate distance traveled and time elapsed for this decelerating particle
Replies
2
Views
818
Why is my calculation for a rocket's maximum range incorrect?
Replies
21
Views
2K
Angular Momentum Problem: Determining Angular Acceleration
Replies
13
Views
1K
Block and wedge problem -- Where am I going wrong?
Replies
7
Views
916
Syntax Error? x and y components of E field in unit vector form
Replies
13
Views
2K
Is My Calculation of a Rolling Steel Hoop's Acceleration Correct?
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top