Inclined plane problem with friction

The acceleration of the boat is determined to be 4.14 m/s^2. In summary, the conversation discusses determining the acceleration of a boat on a flume ride using the given information of its plunge distance and incline angle, as well as the coefficient of friction. It is mentioned that the mass and force are not given, but they can be left as variables in the equations and will ultimately cancel out. The final calculated acceleration is 4.14 m/s^2.
  • #1
AndrewC
6
0

Homework Statement


During a flume ride the boat plunges 54 feet down a 43 degree incline. Assuming coefficient of friction .12 determine the acceleration of the boat.[/B]

Homework Equations


I'm really not sure, no mass is given or force. All of the equation I know involve mass or force.

The Attempt at a Solution


Im not even sure how to find horizontal or vertical components without mass. Acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Used tangent to find the sides of the triangle. So I'm stuck, no idea where to even start. Really appreciate any suggestions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Apply your usual formulas with mass included, leaving the mass as a variable. You should find that it cancels out along the way (so you didn't really need it after all).
 

Related to Inclined plane problem with friction

What is an inclined plane?

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is angled or tilted. It is often used to make it easier to move objects from a lower height to a higher height by reducing the amount of force needed.

What is friction?

Friction is a force that resists the motion of objects. It occurs when two surfaces slide or rub against each other.

How does friction affect an inclined plane?

Friction affects an inclined plane by creating a force that opposes the motion of an object. This means that more force is needed to move an object up an inclined plane with friction compared to one without friction.

How do you calculate the force needed to move an object up an inclined plane with friction?

The force needed to move an object up an inclined plane with friction can be calculated using the formula F = mg(sinθ + μcosθ), where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, θ is the angle of the incline, and μ is the coefficient of friction.

What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of how much friction exists between two surfaces. It is a dimensionless number that is dependent on the materials and conditions of the surfaces in contact.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
907
Replies
10
Views
794
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top