Frictionless Incline
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 19 of 94.
On a frictionless ramp only gravity acts along the slope, so the mass cancels:
a = g sin θ
No friction: only mg and N act, and the acceleration points down the slope.
On a 30° ramp a = 4.9 m/s², for every mass. A rope pulling up the slope with F adds a term: F - mg sin θ = ma.
Challenge
A winch pulls a 50 kg cart up a frictionless 30° ramp with a rope parallel to the slope. The rope pulls with T = 300 N. Find the acceleration a of the cart.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator