How Does Newton's Third Law Apply to a Particle on Different Slopes?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a particle being towed up a rough inclined plane and then onto a rough horizontal slope. By using the equation F=ma, the coefficient of friction is calculated as 1/√3. The original poster asks for someone to check their calculation, which is also confirmed by another commenter. The output of the problem is an acceleration of g√3/6 m.second square.
  • #1
ecy5maa
30
0

Homework Statement



A particle of mass 4kg is being towed at a constant speed up a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal by a force 4g N acting parallel to the slope. At the top of the slope the particle moves onto a rough horizontal slope with the same coefficient of friction. If the towing force continues to act in the same direction, show that the particle undergoes an acceleration of

[tex]\frac{g\sqrt{3}}{6}[/tex] m.second square

Homework Equations



basically use F=ma and get the answer where m=4kg

The Attempt at a Solution



1. On the inclined plane coefficient of friction was calculated as 1/ (sqrt 3)

2.Since they say the force of 4g will be acting in the same direction even when it is on the horizontal plane i took this too mean that 4g will be acting at an angle 30 degrees to the horizontal when the particle is on a horizontal plane..

This way Reaction force would be 4g-4gsin30= 2g

And net force would be equal too

4a= 4gcos30 - 2g/ (sqrt 3)


which makes a = [tex]\frac{g\sqrt{3}}{3}[/tex] m.second square which is twice the answer that is given.


Can some one please check this out. Its from an A level Mechanics book
 
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  • #2
For what it's worth, I also ended up with your answer that [tex] a = g\sqrt{3}/3 [/tex]
 
  • #3
ecy5maa said:

Homework Statement



A particle of mass 4kg is being towed at a constant speed up a rough plane inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal by a force 4g N acting parallel to the slope. At the top of the slope the particle moves onto a rough horizontal slope with the same coefficient of friction. If the towing force continues to act in the same direction, show that the particle undergoes an acceleration of

[tex]\frac{g\sqrt{3}}{6}[/tex] m.second square

Homework Equations



basically use F=ma and get the answer where m=4kg

The Attempt at a Solution



1. On the inclined plane coefficient of friction was calculated as 1/ (sqrt 3)


Can some one please check this out. Its from an A level Mechanics book

Show how you calculate the coefficient of friction, μ.

I get, [tex]\mu=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\,.[/tex]

Added in an edit. Ignore this post!
 
Last edited:
  • #4
SammyS said:

Show how you calculate the coefficient of friction, μ.

I get, [tex]\mu=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\,.[/tex]
I ended up with μ = 1/√3, which agrees with the original poster. (The pulling force must be equal in magnitude to the frictional force plus the component of gravitational force parallel to the slope.) But I'll let ecy5maa comment further.
 
  • #5
collinsmark said:
I ended up with μ = 1/√3, which agrees with the original poster. (The pulling force must be equal in magnitude to the frictional force plus the component of gravitational force parallel to the slope.) But I'll let ecy5maa comment further.

I agree.

μ = 1/√3
 

FAQ: How Does Newton's Third Law Apply to a Particle on Different Slopes?

What is Newton's third law of motion?

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when an object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force back on the first object.

How does Newton's third law relate to everyday life?

Newton's third law can be seen in everyday life, such as when you push on a wall, the wall pushes back on you with the same force. It also explains how rockets and jet engines work by pushing exhaust gases in one direction, causing the opposite direction movement of the rocket or jet.

Does Newton's third law apply to both stationary and moving objects?

Yes, Newton's third law applies to both stationary and moving objects. Even if an object is at rest, it still exerts a force on another object, and that object will exert an equal and opposite force back.

Can Newton's third law be broken?

No, Newton's third law is a fundamental law of physics and cannot be broken. It has been proven to hold true in all observed physical interactions.

How does Newton's third law relate to the conservation of momentum?

Newton's third law is directly related to the conservation of momentum. When two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other are equal and opposite, causing a change in momentum for both objects. However, the total momentum of the system remains the same, demonstrating the conservation of momentum.

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