Question

A 4.0 kg block slides down a 35° incline at a constant speed when a 16 N force is applied acting up and parallel to the incline:

A. Analyze the forces acting on the block.
B. Apply Newton's laws to determine the acceleration.
C. Discuss the impact of the applied force on the motion.
D. Evaluate the frictional forces and their role in the scenario.

Answer 1

A 4.0 kg block slides down a 35° incline at a constant speed when a 16 N force is applied. The forces acting on the block include gravitational force, normal force, frictional force, and applied force. The acceleration of the block is zero, and the frictional force can be evaluated using the coefficient of kinetic friction and the normal force.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, a 4.0 kg block is sliding down a 35° incline at a constant speed when a 16 N force is applied up and parallel to the incline.

A. The forces acting on the block are:

• Gravitational force (weight) acting downward

• Normal force acting perpendicular to the incline

• Frictional force acting up and parallel to the incline

• Applied force acting up and parallel to the incline

B. Since the block is sliding at a constant speed, its acceleration is zero. This means that the net force acting on the block is zero. Using Newton's second law (Fnet = ma), we can set up the equation:

• ΣF = ma

• 16 N - mg sin(35°) - Ffriction = 0

• mg sin(35°) = 16 N - Ffriction

C. The applied force of 16 N counters the force of friction, allowing the block to slide at a constant speed. Without the applied force, the block would experience a net force due to frictional force and would accelerate downhill.

D. The frictional force can be evaluated using the formula:

• Ffriction = μk * Fn

Where μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction and Fn is the normal force. Substituting the given values, we can find the frictional force.