Solve Newton's Second Law: Find Angle of Elevation w/ 1.86cm Blocks

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the angle of elevation for a 1.00-m long track supported by two calibrated elevation blocks with a combined thickness of 1.86 cm. The context is related to Newton's Second Law of Motion, though the connection is unclear to some participants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a diagram to visualize the problem and express confusion about the meaning of 'thickness' in this context. There is speculation about the relationship between the problem and Newton's laws, with some questioning if additional information is missing.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the relevance of Newton's Second Law. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of trigonometry to find the angle, but clarity on the overall context remains elusive.

Contextual Notes

This is a pre-lab question, which may imply specific constraints or expectations related to the lab's focus on Newton's laws, though the exact requirements are not fully articulated in the posts.

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Homework Statement


Two calibrated elevation blocks have a combined thickness of 1.86 cm. Find the angle of elevation of the 1.00-m long track for this situation.


Homework Equations


F = ma?

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm having a LOT of trouble, even beginning to draw the picture for this problem. I think if someone could help me draw the picture, I would be good to go :)
Aaaaand, I'm not exactly sure what the 'thickness' refers to? The weight?

I know that I haven't really provided a good enough attempt at a solution :/ But it's because I am honestly really lost as to where I even begin. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated :)
 
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Without a diagram, I'm just guessing that the right end of the track is elevated 1.86 cm above the left end, creating an incline sloping upward at a small angle. Use trig to find the angle, I guess. Is there another part to this problem that requires you to use Newton's law?
 
PhanthomJay said:
Is there another part to this problem that requires you to use Newton's law?

Yes, what does Newton's second law have to do with this? :confused:

Have you missed out part of the question? … it doesn't seem to make sense on it own. :redface:
 
Hmmm...
Well, this is one of our pre-labs question. And the lab is titled: Newton's Second Law of Motion. So I figured it had something to do with Newton's Laws?
Also, why do they include the thickness of the blocks, if it's just a simple trig question? :confused:
 

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