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Box on a ramp (resubmit)

  1. Nov 26, 2007 #1

    A box (mass = 50.0 kg) is being pulled up a ramp at an angle of (27 ⁰) by a horizontal force, (F→).
    Given that the coefficient of kinetic friction for the ramp is 0.3, find the force, (F→) on the box.

    What is the reaction force on the box due to the tramp? (Identify type of force, what causes the force, what the force is acting on, and the direction that force is acting).

    (DIAGRAM: https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment_browser.php
    problem diagram.png or

    2. Relevant equations

    Key: ∆X = distance X direction
    Vo = Initial Velocity
    Vf = Final Velocity
    A = Acceleration
    T = Time
    *Possible equations given to solve the Problem*
    ∆X = VoT + 1/2AT ** Vf = Vo + AT ** V²F = V²o + 2A ∆X ** ∆X = [(Vo + Vf)/2]T

    3. The attempt at a solution

    (DIAGRAM: see
    problem diagram work.png
    problem diagram working part 2.png or

    The X and Y axis have been rotated to accommodate the new angle 27 ⁰

    μ (coefficient of kinetic friction)= .3
    Ff = (μ)(Fn)
    Ff = (.3)(50.0kg)(9.81 m/s^2)
    Ff = 147.15 N (Newtons)
    Fn = ma (mass)(acceleration)
    = (50.0kg)(-(-9.81m/s^2)
    = 490.5 N
    Fgy = (50.0kg)(-9.81m/s^2)
    = -490.5 N
    What I think I need…
    Fgx = (50.0kg)(9.81m/s^2)(sin ? ⁰)
    My difficulty is (sin ? ⁰)…

    Because (F →) is horizontal instead
    of being parallel with the X axis, how do I find the proper sin angle?
    63 ⁰? Or 63 ⁰ + 27 ⁰? Or 63 ⁰ - 27 ⁰?...

    If I can find the proper sin angle would I then equate (F →) as the Fnet (net force) by adding
    Fgy + Fgx + Ff?

    How are the given kinematic equations involved in finding the solution? (if at all)
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2007
  2. jcsd
  3. Nov 26, 2007 #2
    imageshack seems to have crashed and im giving up
  4. Nov 26, 2007 #3


    User Avatar

    Staff: Mentor

    See this example, which uses a pushing as opposed to pulling force.

    The angle for the ramp is conventionally with respect to horizontal. Resolve all the forces into components parallel and normal to the ramp.

    Also, is the box moving at constant velocity? Otherwise the solution could be any force greater to or equal to the forces (friction and weight component) parallel with the ramp surface.

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