Final answer:
The component of the gravitational force acting down the inclined plane can be calculated using the formula w = mg*sin(θ). In this case, the component is 157.7 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of the gravitational force acting down the inclined plane can be calculated using the formula:
w = mg*sin(θ)
where w is the component of the weight parallel to the plane, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle the inclined plane makes with the horizontal.
In this case, the weight of the box is given as 253.1 N. The mass can be calculated using the formula:
m = w/g
Plugging in the values:
m = 253.1 N / 9.8 m/s^2 = 25.8 kg
Now, we can calculate the component of the weight:
w = (25.8 kg) * 9.8 m/s^2 * sin(39.7°) = 157.7 N
So, the component of the gravitational force acting down the inclined plane is 157.7 N.