An object m is released from the top of an inclined, frictionless plane that is inclined at angle theta with the horizontal. The top of the ramp has height h. Which of the following would change the acceleration of the object if it were released from the top of the ramp?

a) changing the mass of the object
b) changing the angle theta of the inclined surface but not changing the height
c) increasing h but not changing theta
d) a and b
e) a and c
f) b and c
g) a, b and c

I'm thinking that it's e) but I'm not sure.

1 answer

Summing the forces along the direction parallel to the inclined plane:

m*g*sin(theta) = m*a

a = g*sin(theta)

the acceleration is only dependent upon theta