A block of wood slides with a constant velocity down a slope - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 3 - 2016
Question 3
A block of wood slides with a constant velocity down a slope. The slope makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal as shown. The mass of the block is 2.0 kg.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:A block of wood slides with a constant velocity down a slope - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 3 - 2016
Step 1
Calculate the gravitational force acting on the block
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Answer
The gravitational force (weight) acting on the block can be calculated using the formula:
Fg=mimesg
Where:
m=2.0kg (mass of the block)
g=9.8m/s2 (acceleration due to gravity)
Thus,
Fg=2.0kg×9.8m/s2=19.6N
Step 2
Calculate the component of the gravitational force parallel to the slope
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Answer
The component of the gravitational force acting parallel to the slope can be found using:
Fextparallel=Fg×sin(θ)
Where:
θ=30°
Thus,
Fextparallel=19.6N×sin(30°)=19.6N×0.5=9.8N
Step 3
Determine the force of friction acting on the block
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Answer
Since the block is moving with constant velocity, the force of friction must equal the component of the gravitational force parallel to the slope:
Ff=Fextparallel=9.8N
Thus, the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the block is 9.8N, which corresponds to option C.
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