Wedge and Particle
Select the masses of the wedge (1 to 20 kg) and the particle (1 to 12 kg) resting on it and the angle of the wedge (20 to 50 deg).Press Submit each time.
Press Release Particle.
Calculate the acceleration of the particle and of the wedge.
To check your results press the Answers button.
Press Reset to try different masses and angles.
Note how the reaction force is reduced when the masses begin to move.
This is because the wedge is no longer "pushing against" the mass with the same force as before, it is moving away from it.