Question #132

In the photograph at the left below a chunk of wooden 4'x4" rests on an inclined plane. Raising the left end continually increases the tilt of the plane, and the board will eventually begin to slide. This can be seen in an mpeg video by clicking your mouse on the photograph.

Notice the position, about 40^o, at which the board begins to slide.

Now suppose that the inclined plane is set to about 35^o, as seen in the photograph at the right above. Gwen will now give the board a very gentle push, as seen in an mpeg video by clicking your mouse on the photograph at the right. What will the board then do?

After the board is pushed it will most likely:

• (a) immediately stop.
• (b) slowly come to a stop.
• (c) move slowly down the incline at a constant speed.
• (d) accelerate rapidly down the incline.

Discuss the reasons to justify the answer that you have suggested.

Click here for Answer #132 after December 23, 2002.

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