LT1 - Forces on an Inclined Plane Practice Problems
Learning Target
1) I can calculate the forces perpendicular (normal force) and parallel to the surface
of an inclined plane for an object on that plane given its mass.
Problems:
1. A 22.6N cat is creeping up on a bird on fence using a plank leaning on
the fence. The plank makes a 45º angle with the ground. What are the
perpendicular and parallel components of the weight of the cat?
2. Scott and Becca are moving a folding table out of the sunlight. A cup
of lemonade, with a mass of 0.44kg, is on the table. Scott lifts his end
of the table before Becca does, and as a result, the table makes an
angle of 15º with the horizontal. Find the components of the cup’s
weight that are parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the table.
3. Maria, who has a mass of 43.6kg, slides down the banister at his
grandparents’ house. If the banister makes an angle of 35º with the
horizontal, what is the perpendicular force between Maria and the
banister?
4. Mike, who has a mass of 50.3kg, is at the dentist’s office to have his
teeth cleaned. If the component of his weight that is perpendicular
(the normal force) to the plane of the chair is 449N, at what angle is
the chair tilted?
Challenge Problem
5. A suitcase is on an inclined plane. At what angle, relative to the
horizontal, will the component of the suitcase’s weight parallel to the
plane be equal to half the perpendicular component of its weight?
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