Finding the force on an inclined plane

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the force required to accelerate a 150.0 kg crate up an inclined plane at a 30° angle with no friction. The net force is determined by subtracting the force due to gravity from the applied force, resulting in an equation of F_net = m(7.1 + g/2). Using the values of mass and gravity, the resulting force is found to be 1800 N.
  • #1
cbarker1
Gold Member
MHB
349
23
Dear Everybody,

What force (in N) must be applied to a 150.0
kg crate on a frictionless plane inclined at 30° to cause an acceleration of 7.1 m/s2 up the plane?

Work:
I know the sum of the force in the x direction must be equal to mass multiply by acceralation.Thanks
Carter
 
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  • #2
Let's assume the applied force is parallel to the incline plane...and so we require:

\(\displaystyle F_{\text{net}}-F_g=m\cdot7.1\,\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}^2}\)

What is the magnitude of the force due to gravity ($F_f$) along the plane?
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
Let's assume the applied force is parallel to the incline plane...and so we require:

\(\displaystyle F_{\text{net}}-F_g=m\cdot7.1\,\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}^2}\)

What is the magnitude of the force due to gravity ($F_f$) along the plane?

I believe it is $$m\cdot g\cdot \cos\left({30}\right)$$.
 
  • #4
Cbarker1 said:
I believe it is $$m\cdot g\cdot \cos\left({30}\right)$$.

Think about the cases where the plane is either vertical or horizontal...does the cosine function makes sense?
 
  • #5
MarkFL said:
Think about the cases where the plane is either vertical or horizontal...does the cosine function makes sense?

NO, it does not make any sense. so it must be sine function.
 
  • #6
Cbarker1 said:
NO, it does not make any sense. so it must be sine function.

Yes, it is the sine function...here's a free-body diagram:

free_body.svg.png


What do you find for $F_{\text{net}}$?
 
  • #7
MarkFL said:
Yes, it is the sine function...here's a free-body diagram:
What do you find for $F_{\text{net}}$?

Is that $$F_N=mass\cdot 7.1+m\cdot g\cdot sin 30$$ correct?

Sorry, I have misread the question that there is a force pushing it up the inclined plane.
 
  • #8
Cbarker1 said:
Is that $$F_N=mass\cdot 7.1+m\cdot g\cdot sin 30$$ correct?

Sorry, I have misread the question that there is a force pushing it up the inclined plane.

That's correct, although we know:

\(\displaystyle \sin\left(30^{\circ}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\)

And so we may write:

\(\displaystyle F_{\text{net}}=m\left(7.1+\frac{g}{2}\right)\text{ N}\)

Next, use:

\(\displaystyle m=150.0\text{ kg},\,g=9.8\,\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}^2}\)

So, what do you get?
 
  • #9
the answer is 1800 N
 
  • #10
Cbarker1 said:
the answer is 1800 N

Yes, I concur. (Yes)
 
  • #11
I did the problem correctly.
 

FAQ: Finding the force on an inclined plane

What is the force on an inclined plane?

The force on an inclined plane is the force that acts on an object placed on an inclined surface, such as a ramp or slope. It is a combination of the force of gravity and the normal force exerted by the plane.

How do you find the force on an inclined plane?

The force on an inclined plane can be calculated using the formula F = mg sinθ, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and θ is the angle of inclination of the plane.

What factors affect the force on an inclined plane?

The force on an inclined plane is affected by the angle of inclination, the mass of the object, and the acceleration due to gravity. Other factors such as friction and air resistance may also play a role.

Can the force on an inclined plane be greater than the weight of the object?

Yes, the force on an inclined plane can be greater than the weight of the object if the angle of inclination is steep enough. This is because the force is a combination of the weight and the normal force exerted by the plane.

How is the force on an inclined plane related to work and energy?

The force on an inclined plane is related to work and energy through the concept of mechanical advantage. If the inclined plane is used to lift an object, the force required to push it up the plane is less than the force needed to lift it straight up. This means that less work is required, resulting in a gain in energy efficiency.

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