How do I find the acceleration?

Question

Compute the acceleration of a block sliding down a 36 degree incline, the coefficient of sliding friction being 0.17.

I can use either 9.8 m/s2 or 32 ft/s2 for g.

Answer 1

f = ma = (W cos(deg) - kW sin(deg)); where f is the net force pulling the block down the ramp and W = mg; so that

a = g(cos(deg) - k sin(deg));

where a is the acceleration, g is the acceleration due to gravity, deg is the angle of the ramp, and k is the coefficient of sliding friction. g is about 9.81 m/sec^2 at Earth's surface.

You do NOT need to specify the mass of the block (m) as one answerer suggested because the m's cancel out.

You can do the math.

Answer 2

what you need to do is use F=ma

You dont need the block mass as it should cancel out.

Draw a force diagram of in the incline with the block on it. Draw a straigh line down with a force of "mg". Draw a line up at 90deg from the incline, which is the reaction force (related to mg and the angle of slope). Also a line back along the incline, which is the frictional resistant force F=(coef frict).(Reaction force)

Do a bit of trigonometry and cancel the masses. Calculate F=ma along the line of the slide.

Answer 3

acceleration due to gravity is in downward direction, which is perpendicular to the floor. therefore, the acceleration of the block will be cosine 36 degree as the block is inclined.

Answer 4

need the mass of the block

Answer 5

the value of g is not given