What Is the Mass of a Block Pulled with a Force at an Angle?

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The discussion centers on calculating the mass of a block being pulled by a 50N force at an angle of 37 degrees above the horizontal, with a coefficient of friction of 0.2. The correct mass of the block is 23.4kg, as confirmed by multiple participants. The discrepancy in calculations arises from the treatment of the normal force, which must account for the vertical component of the applied force (50sin37). Properly applying equilibrium equations for both horizontal and vertical forces is essential for accurate results.

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Question: A force of 50N acting at 37degrees above the horizontal pulss a block along the floor with constant velocity. If the coefficient of friction between the blocck and the floor is 0.2, what is the mass of the block?

the answer in the book is 23.4kg

but when I did it I got 20.3kg.

my friend did it and he got 23.4kg but when I use his calcutions and calculated out I get 23.5kg.

He says you have to take the Normal force and substract 50sin37 because its being pulled along that direction. I say do you don't.

Help?
 
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scan said:
the answer in the book is 23.4kg
That is correct.
He says you have to take the Normal force and substract 50sin37 because its being pulled along that direction. I say do you don't.
The fact that the 50N force is applied at angle will definitely affect the normal force. Write down the equilibrium equations for both horizontal and vertical components. Combine the two equations and you can solve for the mass.
 
oh ok. that makes sense now. its just the textbook is so bad that it doesnt' say that the normal force can be affected.
 

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