What is the acceleration of a block on an inclined plane with no friction?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block placed on an inclined plane, specifically a right triangle, with the assumption of zero friction. The inquiry focuses on determining the acceleration of both the block and the inclined plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the effects of gravity on the block and the inclined plane, with some attempting to derive expressions for acceleration based on angles and forces. Questions arise regarding the direction of acceleration and the role of the normal force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants have suggested drawing free body diagrams to analyze the forces acting on both the block and the inclined plane, while others have noted the complexity of the situation due to the relative motion involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of specific angle information provided in the problem, which some participants have noted as a challenge in their reasoning. Additionally, assumptions regarding friction and the setup of the inclined plane are being examined.

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1. a block B is placed on an inclined plane T ( a right triangle). the triangle rests on a flat surface. zero friction is assumed. what is the acceleration of T & B?

2. no angle of the triangle is given so i just added in θ on intuition. my best guess is something along the lines of:

3. acceleration of T = B/T * Gravity * sin(θ)

acceleration of B = T/B * Gravity * sin(θ)

thanks for the help
 
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It is a nice question.I am getting that acceleration of the T is (B/T)gtanθ
and on the block is gsinθ.Just draw free body diagram.and now see forces acting on the incline(Do not forget that normal reaction due to block)find it and equate Fnet=ma.and done
and second one acceleration is it is moving due to mgsinθ force so find it acceleartion.
 
This is quite a tricky problem because the direction of acceleration of the block is not obvious. Its acceleration relative to the triangle will be down the incline, but its acceleration relative to the flat surface will not be.
Set the normal force between the block and triangle to be N and write down the free body equations for each mass.
 
Yeah i forgot that thing.
 
FBD for both
 

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