When the block slides down the wedge, it exerts a force on the wedge due to gravity and its acceleration. This force is transferred to the balance, causing a change in the reading. The balance measures the combined weight of the wedge and the block, along with any additional forces due to the block's motion.
Yes, the angle of the wedge significantly influences the balance reading. A steeper angle increases the component of gravitational force parallel to the wedge, causing the block to accelerate more rapidly and exert a greater force on the wedge. This, in turn, affects the balance reading.
Friction between the block and the wedge can significantly alter the dynamics of the system. If friction is present, it opposes the motion of the block, reducing its acceleration. This changes the forces exerted on the wedge and, consequently, the reading on the balance. In a frictionless scenario, the block would slide down more smoothly, leading to a different force distribution.
To calculate the forces, we need to consider the gravitational force acting on the block, the normal force exerted by the wedge, and any frictional forces if present. Using Newton's second law, we can resolve these forces into components parallel and perpendicular to the surface of the wedge. By summing these forces and considering the system's acceleration, we can determine the net force on the wedge and the resulting balance reading.
When the block reaches the bottom of the wedge, it comes to rest relative to the wedge. At this point, the forces on the wedge stabilize, and the balance reading reflects the combined weight of the block and the wedge without any additional dynamic forces. The system reaches a new equilibrium, and the balance reading should remain constant if no other external forces act on it.