If water is trapped between two planes on a train, and the train decelerates at 4ms^-2. What angle does the surface of the water make with the horizontal?

Draw a diagram of forces on a single particle at surface of water.

Water is stationary in reference to train, thus when including decelerating force, resulting force is zero.

Balance horrizontal and vertical components:

ma = Rsin(theta) (Horrizontal) 

mg = Rcos(theta) (Vertical)

Divide on by the other:

tan(theta) = a/g

(a = 4 ms^-2)

theta = 22.18

OS
Answered by Oliver S. PAT tutor

1867 Views

See similar PAT University tutors

Related PAT University answers

All answers ▸

A function is defined piecewise f(x) = ( e^x for x<0, e^(-x) + 2x for x>= 0). Sketch f(x) and its first, second and third derivatives


How do I sketch a function from its equation without using my graphical calculator?


If a bullet is shot into a suspended mass and does not pass through why can you not just use conservation of energy?


a boat is in a still lake with its anchor up in the boat, it then drops its anchor till it hits the bottom of the lake. Is the water level highest a) when the anchor is in the water. b) when the anchor is in the boat. c) it makes no difference.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning