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Question 30245
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Laws of Motion and Friction: Wedge Problem MCQ

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Wedge ProblemHardQuestion 30245

Question

A block of mass m rests on a frictionless wedge of mass M. The wedge is on a frictionless floor. For the block to remain stationary relative to the wedge, a horizontal force F on the wedge gives acceleration a = g tanθ. Why?
  1. A
    Because N = mg
  2. B
    Because the horizontal component of normal force provides acceleration for m
    Correct
  3. C
    Because friction balances the component
  4. D
    Because the wedge is heavy enough

Correct answer

Because the horizontal component of normal force provides acceleration for m

Explanation

Normal force N on the block is perpendicular to the wedge surface. Its horizontal component N sinθ = ma and vertical component N cosθ = mg. Dividing: tanθ = a/g → a = g tanθ.

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