PDA

View Full Version : Tension problem


wick85
Sep29-09, 07:43 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A 4.41 kg penguin sits on a 11.5 kg sled, as seen in the figure below.


A horizontal force of F = 58.7 N is applied to the sled, but the penguin attempts to impede the motion by holding onto a cord attached to a tree. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled and snow as well as that between the sled and the penguin is 0.150.

Determine the tension in the cord.

Determine the acceleration of the sled.


2. Relevant equations
a=F/m

T=UkN/cos theta


3. The attempt at a solution

I'm having problems setting this up, so I haven't been able to make a decent attempt at it.

The attached picture is the penguin.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

rl.bhat
Sep29-09, 08:00 PM
Find the frictional force fs between sled and the snow. It acts towards the tree. An equal and opposite reactionary force acts on the penguin.
Find the frictional force fp between penguin and sled. It acts away from the tree. Find total force acting on penguin. From that you can find the tension in the cord.