Solving for Friction Force on a Ramp

[chem_is_lovex]

Homework Statement

A 2.0kg block of wood accelerates from rest down a smooth incline at 37^o to the horizontal. It covers 1.26m in 1.0sec. Determine the frictional force acting.

Homework Equations

uhhh... this is the problem, I don't know what equation to use...

The Attempt at a Solution

can someone please help me?

 

[nickjer]

Calculate the net acceleration to get the net force, then subtract off the component of gravity that is pointing down the ramp. The remaining force is kinetic friction.

 

[hotvette]

If I were doing this problem, I'd:

1. Draw a free body diagram showing the ramp and forces acting on the block

2. Write the equations of motion of the block (i.e. sum F = ma)

3. Integrate twice to get an expression for x = x(t) where x is the distance the block travels down the ramp keeping in mind the initial conditions (hint: accelerates from rest)

4. Since you are given the distance traveled in a specific time, equation (3) can be solved for the friction force