Components of Acceleration

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 24 views

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Introduction

When a ball rolls down a sloping plane, its motion is influenced by the angle of elevation and the acceleration of gravity. In this scenario, we have a ball moving from the top to the bottom of a plane with an elevation angle of 45°. The initial height of the ball is 15 m, and the acceleration of gravity is 10 m/s². We are also given that the initial speed of the ball is 3 m/s. Our goal is to determine the speed of the ball when it reaches the bottom of the slanted plane.

Understanding the Motion

To solve this problem, we need to consider the components of motion along the slope and perpendicular to the slope. Since the ball is moving down the slope, we can assume that the acceleration due to gravity is acting in the direction of motion. However, we also need to consider the component of the acceleration due to gravity that is perpendicular to the slope.

Components of Acceleration

Acceleration Along the Slope

The acceleration along the slope is given by the component of the acceleration due to gravity that is parallel to the slope. This can be calculated using the following formula:

a = g * sin(θ)

where a is the acceleration along the slope, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of elevation.

Acceleration Perpendicular to the Slope

The acceleration perpendicular to the slope is given by the component of the acceleration due to gravity that is perpendicular to the slope. This can be calculated using the following formula:

a = g * cos(θ)

where a is the acceleration perpendicular to the slope, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of elevation.

Calculating the Speed

To calculate the speed of the ball when it reaches the bottom of the slanted plane, we need to consider the initial speed and the acceleration along the slope. We can use the following equation of motion:

v² = u² + 2 * a * s

where v is the final speed, u is the initial speed, a is the acceleration along the slope, and s is the distance traveled.

Calculating the Distance Traveled

To calculate the distance traveled, we need to consider the initial height and the angle of elevation. We can use the following formula:

s = h / sin(θ)

where s is the distance traveled, h is the initial height, and θ is the angle of elevation.

Substituting Values

Now that we have the formulas, we can substitute the given values to calculate the speed of the ball when it reaches the bottom of the slanted plane.

Given Values

Initial height (h) = 15 m
Angle of elevation (θ) = 45°
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 10 m/s²
Initial speed (u) = 3 m/s

Calculating the Acceleration Along the Slope

Using the formula a = g * sin(θ), we can calculate the acceleration along the slope:

a = 10 m/s² * sin(45°) a = 10 m/s² * 0.7071 a = 7.071 m/s²

Calculating the Distance Traveled

Using the formula s = h / sin(θ), we can calculate the distance traveled:

s = 15 m / sin(45°) s = 15 m / 0.7071 s = 21.213 m

Calculating the Final Speed

Using the equation of motion v² = u² + 2 * a * s, we can calculate the final speed:

v² = (3 m/s)² + 2 * (7.071 m/s²) * (21.213 m) v² = 9 m²/s² + 300.19 m²/s² v² = 309.19 m²/s² v = √309.19 m²/s² v = 17.57 m/s

Conclusion

In this problem, we calculated the speed of a ball when it reaches the bottom of a slanted plane with an elevation angle of 45°. We considered the components of motion along the slope and perpendicular to the slope, and used the equation of motion to calculate the final speed. The result shows that the speed of the ball when it reaches the bottom of the slanted plane is approximately 17.57 m/s.

References

[1] Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
[2] Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.

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Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the motion of a ball rolling down a sloping plane with an elevation angle of 45°. We calculated the speed of the ball when it reaches the bottom of the slanted plane, taking into account the initial height, acceleration due to gravity, and initial speed. In this Q&A article, we'll address some common questions and provide additional insights into the physics of the problem.

Q&A

Q: What is the significance of the angle of elevation in this problem?

A: The angle of elevation is crucial in determining the acceleration along the slope. As the angle of elevation increases, the acceleration along the slope also increases, resulting in a faster descent of the ball.

Q: How does the initial speed of the ball affect its final speed?

A: The initial speed of the ball affects its final speed by influencing the distance traveled. A higher initial speed results in a greater distance traveled, which in turn affects the final speed.

Q: What is the role of the acceleration due to gravity in this problem?

A: The acceleration due to gravity is the primary force acting on the ball, causing it to accelerate downward. The acceleration due to gravity is a constant value, but its component along the slope varies depending on the angle of elevation.

Q: Can the ball's motion be affected by other forces, such as friction or air resistance?

A: Yes, the ball's motion can be affected by other forces, such as friction or air resistance. However, in this problem, we assume that these forces are negligible, allowing us to focus on the primary force of gravity.

Q: How does the distance traveled by the ball relate to its final speed?

A: The distance traveled by the ball is directly related to its final speed. A greater distance traveled results in a higher final speed.

Q: Can the ball's motion be described using other equations of motion, such as the equation of motion under constant acceleration?

A: Yes, the ball's motion can be described using other equations of motion, such as the equation of motion under constant acceleration. However, in this problem, we use the equation of motion under variable acceleration to account for the changing acceleration along the slope.

Additional Insights

The Role of Trigonometry

Trigonometry plays a crucial role in this problem, as we use trigonometric functions to calculate the acceleration along the slope and the distance traveled. The sine and cosine functions are essential in determining the components of the acceleration due to gravity.

The Importance of Units

Units are critical in physics problems, as they help us understand the physical quantities involved. In this problem, we use units of meters (m) for distance, seconds (s) for time, and meters per second squared (m/s²) for acceleration.

The Significance of the Initial Height

The initial height of the ball is an important parameter in this problem, as it affects the distance traveled and the final speed. A higher initial height results in a greater distance traveled and a higher final speed.

Conclusion

In this Q&A article, we addressed common questions and provided additional insights into the physics of a ball rolling down a sloping plane. We explored the significance of the angle of elevation, the role of the acceleration due to gravity, and the importance of units and initial height. By understanding these concepts, we can better appreciate the physics of the problem and make more accurate predictions about the ball's motion.

References

[1] Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
[2] Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.