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"If an object is accelerating down an inclined plane, which of the following is TRUE?

a. Fg = Fn
b. FN > Fgy
c. Fgx > Ff
d. Fgx = Ff

Select the statement that correctly represents the situation of an object accelerating down an inclined plane."

User TCSGrad
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1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The correct answer is option c. Fgx > Ff, since the force of gravity parallel to the incline (Fgx) must be greater than the frictional force (Ff) for the object to accelerate down the slope.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an object is accelerating down an inclined plane, we have to analyze the forces acting on it. According to Newton's laws, the force of gravity (Fg) on an object is indeed split into two components due to the incline: a force perpendicular to the plane, and a force parallel to the plane. The perpendicular component is balanced by the normal force (FN), and they are equal in magnitude when there's no acceleration perpendicular to the slope. However, it's the parallel component of the force of gravity, Fgx, which contributes to the object's acceleration down the slope. The frictional force (Ff) opposes the motion and is less than the parallel component if the object is accelerating. Thus, the statement 'Fgx > Ff' is TRUE when considering an object accelerating down an inclined plane. Therefore, the correct answer is option c. Fgx > Ff.

User RickDT
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