Final answer:
The component of the gravitational force parallel to the incline is found using the formula F_parallel = m × g × sin(θ). Substituting the given values, the magnitude of this component is approximately 2.51 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the magnitude of the component of the gravitational force that is parallel to the incline, we use:
Fparallel = m × g × sin(θ)
Where m is the mass of the block, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of the incline above the horizontal plane. For the given problem:
Plugging in the values, we find:
Fparallel = 0.320 kg × 9.80 m/s² × sin(53.1°)
First, calculate the sine of the angle:
sin(53.1°) ≈ 0.7986
Now, multiply the mass, acceleration due to gravity, and the sine of the angle:
Fparallel = 0.320 kg × 9.80 m/s² × 0.7986 ≈ 2.51 N
The magnitude of the component of the gravitational force parallel to the surface of the incline is approximately 2.51 N.