Acceleration of a block of ice - Dynamics

In summary, the block of ice slides down a frictionless ramp inclined at 10 degrees to the horizontal with an acceleration of 1.7m/s^2.
  • #1
richievuong
35
0
A 10kg block of ice slides down a ramp 20m long, inclined at 10 degrees to the horizontal. If the ramp is frictionless, what is the acceleration of the block of ice?

Struggling as to where to start, I have the formulae, just don't know how to use them.

Most of the questions I've encountered had a force as a given, so now I'm getting a bit confused here.

Would Ff = umg still be any good here?
 
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  • #2
There is a component of weight acting down along the ramp, that's your force.
 
  • #3
Would that be gravity?

Fg = mg = (10)(9.8) = 98N?
 
  • #4
richievuong said:
Fg = mg = (10)(9.8) = 98N?
Yes, that's the weight of the object, which acts down. Now do as cyrus said and find the component of that force along the ramp, since that is the only direction the block can move.
 
  • #5
So if gravity is "down", then to find the force along the ramp, it would be:

sin10 = 98/X
X = 564.36N (Force along the ramp)

How would I account for the 20m in ramp length? I think I'm supposed to find time right...
 
Last edited:
  • #6
richievuong said:
So if gravity is "down", then to find the force along the ramp, it would be:

sin10 = 98/X
X = 564.36N (Force along the ramp)
Rethink your use of trig. How can a component of a force be greater that the total force?

How would I account for the 20m in ramp length? I think I'm supposed to find time right...
To find the acceleration, the ramp length is irrelevant. But if you also need to find the time for the block to slide down the ramp, then you'll need the length.
 
  • #7
I don't understand...Along the ramp meaning the slanted part right? Then wouldn't the 98N be the Y component because its down?
 
  • #8
I think I got it:

Is it 98sin10 = 17.01N

F = ma
17.01 = 10a
a = 1.7m/s^2
 
  • #9
Looks good to me.
 

FAQ: Acceleration of a block of ice - Dynamics

What is the acceleration of a block of ice on a flat surface?

The acceleration of a block of ice on a flat surface is equal to the force acting on the block divided by its mass. This can be calculated using the formula a = F/m, where a is the acceleration, F is the force acting on the block, and m is the mass of the block.

How does the acceleration of a block of ice change with temperature?

The acceleration of a block of ice is not affected by temperature as long as it remains solid. However, if the temperature increases enough to melt the ice, the acceleration will decrease as the mass of the block decreases. This is because the force acting on the block remains the same, but the mass decreases.

Does the shape of the block of ice affect its acceleration?

Assuming the block of ice is a perfect cube, the shape of the block does not affect its acceleration. This is because the mass and the force acting on the block remain the same regardless of its shape. However, irregularly shaped blocks may experience a different acceleration due to differences in their distribution of mass.

What factors can affect the acceleration of a block of ice?

The acceleration of a block of ice can be affected by the force acting on it, the mass of the block, and external factors such as friction or air resistance. The surface on which the block is placed can also affect its acceleration. For example, a block of ice on a rough surface will experience more friction and therefore have a slower acceleration.

How can the acceleration of a block of ice be measured?

The acceleration of a block of ice can be measured using a variety of methods, such as using a force sensor to measure the force acting on the block, and a balance or scale to measure its mass. The acceleration can then be calculated using the formula a = F/m. Alternatively, the block of ice can be placed on a track with a timer and its acceleration can be calculated using the formula a = (vf - vi)/t, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

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