Goal: Problem solving and developing strategic knowledge
Source: UMPERG-ctqpe101
You are given this problem:
A
block sits on a frictionless incline. Given the angle of incline, the
distance along incline, and the mass of block, find the acceleration
after traveling a distance d.
What principle would you use to solve the problem MOST EFFICIENTLY?
- Kinematics only
- F = ma or Newton’s laws
- Work-Energy theorem
- Impulse-Momentum theorem
- Angular Impulse-Ang. Momentum
- More than one of the above
- Not enough information given
Commentary:
Answer
(2) The 2nd law is needed to find the acceleration. Students who
answer that only kinematics is needed are relying on memory.