Find downhill acceleration a = g (sinθ − μ cosθ), plus normal force and the weight component along the ramp.
| Acceleration (m/s²) | – |
| Normal (N) | – |
| Weight along ramp (N) | – |
Use this calculator for a block on a rough ramp. If it slides, acceleration down the slope is a = g (sinθ − μ cosθ). The normal force is N = m g cosθ and the weight component along the ramp is m g sinθ. If μ is large enough that a comes out negative, friction would hold the block; the signed a is still shown.
10 kg at 30°, μ = 0.2 and g = 9.81 m/s² give a ≈ 3.21 m/s², N ≈ 85.0 N and W∥ ≈ 49.1 N. Mass and g must be greater than zero. This is kinetic friction while sliding, not a static-friction check of whether motion starts.
Mass (kg): Mass on the ramp.
Angle (°): Ramp angle to the horizontal.
μ: Kinetic friction coefficient. 0 for a smooth ramp.
g (m/s²): Usually 9.81.
Acceleration (m/s²): Down-slope a, signed.
Normal (N): N = m g cosθ.
Weight along ramp (N): m g sinθ.
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