A box weighing 178N slides down a ramp with an initial velocity of 0.5m/s^2. The ramp has an angle of 24 degrees and is 3m long. What is the acceleration of the box? I know that F=ma but how do I find a?

Question

A box weighing 178N slides down a ramp with an initial velocity of 0.5m/s^2.  The ramp has an angle of 24 degrees and is 3m long.  What is the acceleration of the box?  I know that F=ma but how do I find a?

Henry · Answer

M*g = 178 N. Vo = 0.5 m/s. Ramp = 3m[24o] Fp = 178*sin24 = 72.4 N. = Force parallel to the ramp. M*g = 178 M = 178/g = 178/9.8 = 18.16 kg = mass of box. a = Fp/M = 72.4/18.16 = 3.99 m/s^2.