Solve Physics Ramp Problem: Acceleration of Box

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of a box being pulled up a 10-degree incline with a force of 180 N at 30 degrees above the incline. The box has a mass of 28 kg and a coefficient of friction of 0.299. The initial calculations for friction and normal force were correct, but the error arose from omitting the gravitational component along the incline, represented by mg sin(theta). The corrected formula for net force is Fnet = T - F - mg sin(theta), leading to an accurate acceleration of 2.59 m/s².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (Fnet = ma)
  • Knowledge of forces acting on an inclined plane
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Basic concepts of friction and normal force
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  • Review the derivation of forces on inclined planes in physics
  • Learn about the role of friction in motion on slopes
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as tension and net force calculations
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Students studying physics, particularly those tackling problems involving forces on inclined planes, as well as educators looking for examples of common mistakes in force calculations.

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Homework Statement


A student pulls on a box up an incline of 10 degrees. The student pulls with a force of 180 N directed at 30 degrees above the line of the incline. The box has a mass of 28 kg, and the coefficient of friction between the box and floor is 0.299. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.

What is the acceleration of the box?

Homework Equations


Fnet = ma

The Attempt at a Solution


From Fnet = ma I get:
Fp - Ffr = ma, where Fp is the force of the person pulling and Ffr is the force of friction resisting.

Ffr = MkFn
Ffr = (.299)(Fn)

I then solved for Fn:
Fn = mg/cos10
Fn = (28)(9.8) / cos10
Fn = 278.63

So Ffr = (.299)(278.63)
Ffr = 83.31 N

So we have Fp - Ffr = ma,
so Fp - 83.31 = (28)a

We need Fp.
Fp = cos30 * 180
Fp = 155.88

So Fp - 83.31 = (28)a,
so 155.88 - 83.31 = (28)a

Solving for a i get a = 2.59 m/s^2

I submitted this to my online homework system and it said the answer was wrong. Where did I go wrong?

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
...you forgot mgsin(theta) in your original "Fnet" equation. Include mgsin(theta) and you should get the acceleration. --------> ma = T - F - mgsin(theta)
 

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