Decompose the forces acting on the block into components that are parallel and perpendicular to the ramp. (See attached free body diagram. Forces are not drawn to scale)
• The net force in the parallel direction is
∑ <em>F</em> (para) = -<em>mg</em> sin(21°) - <em>f</em> = <em>ma</em>
• The net force in the perpendicular direction is
∑ <em>F</em> (perp) = <em>n</em> - <em>mg</em> cos(21°) = 0
Solving the second equation for <em>n</em> gives
<em>n</em> = <em>mg</em> cos(21°)
<em>n</em> = (0.200 kg) (9.80 m/s²) cos(21°)
<em>n</em> ≈ 1.83 N
Then the magnitude of friction is
<em>f</em> = <em>µn</em>
<em>f</em> = 0.25 (1.83 N)
<em>f</em> ≈ 0.457 N
Solve for the acceleration <em>a</em> :
-<em>mg</em> sin(21°) - <em>f</em> = <em>ma</em>
<em>a</em> = (-0.457N - (0.200 kg) (9.80 m/s²) sin(21°))/(0.200 kg)
<em>a</em> ≈ -5.80 m/s²
so the block is decelerating with magnitude
<em>a</em> = 5.80 m/s²
down the ramp.
