What is the magnitude of the force in this vector and forces problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving forces and vectors, specifically focusing on the magnitude of a force in a scenario likely involving gravity and a ramp. Participants are exploring how to analyze the forces acting on a mass on the ramp and the role of the normal force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of drawing a free body diagram (FBD) to visualize the forces at play. There are questions about the role of gravity and how the normal force interacts with it. Some participants express confusion about using rectangular coordinates for vector addition and the implications of the ramp's angle on the resulting force and acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and questions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of free body diagrams and the addition of vectors in rectangular coordinates, but there is no consensus on the approach to take or the interpretation of the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a specific problem setup that includes a mass on a ramp, but details about the exact parameters or conditions are not fully outlined. There is an indication of confusion regarding the assumptions about forces and their directions.

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Homework Statement


http://s359.photobucket.com/albums/oo40/jsmith613/?action=view&current=Vector-3.png
please help me with this question

thanks

could you also tell me how to find the magnitude of the force

thanks

The Attempt at a Solution


I presumed that gravity has a role in it but can't work out how the normal force is cancelled.

could someone please explain (maybe even with a diagram)

thanks

Homework Equations


None relevant
 
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jsmith613 said:

Homework Statement


http://s359.photobucket.com/albums/oo40/jsmith613/?action=view&current=Vector-3.png
please help me with this question

thanks

could you also tell me how to find the magnitude of the force

thanks

The Attempt at a Solution


I presumed that gravity has a role in it but can't work out how the normal force is cancelled.

could someone please explain (maybe even with a diagram)

thanks

Homework Equations


None relevant

Start by drawing a free body diagram (FBD) of the mass on the ramp...
 
berkeman said:
Good start. Now add the two vectors in rectangular coordinates. Which way does the resulting acceleration have to point?

I don't understand why I use rectangular coordinates. for 100 g mass I am only interested in gravity so accelaration should be down?
 
jsmith613 said:
I don't understand why I use rectangular coordinates. for 100 g mass I am only interested in gravity so accelaration should be down?

Vectors are easiest to add in rectangular coordinates. Because of the ramp, the resulting vector acceleration has to be parallel to the ramp.
 
berkeman said:
Vectors are easiest to add in rectangular coordinates. Because of the ramp, the resulting vector acceleration has to be parallel to the ramp.

But if we add vectors in such a way, then surely we will get an overall force that is double

http://s359.photobucket.com/albums/oo40/jsmith613/?action=view&current=FreeBody-1.png

If we look at the extra boxes (rectangles) and we add the total force along the top and along the bottom we will get a force double what we want and it is unlikley to yield a straight line as we have curently
 

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