Question

. A 100 kg block is sitting on a perfectly frictionless surface. A force of 200 N directed at an angle of 30o above the horizontal pulls the block. Find the acceleration of the block

Answer 1

The acceleration of the block is equal to:

ax = 1.74 m/s² in the same direction and sense that the "X" component of the 200N force

It is necessary to apply Second Newton Law to the block at the moment it is being pulled by the 200N force:

• ∑Fx = m * ax
• F * cos(30°) = 100Kg * ax
• 200N * 0.87 = 100Kg * ax
• ax = (200N * 0.87) / 100Kg
• ax = 1.74 m/s²