Set Up Help for Problem in 2.JPG | QuantumNinja

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tom McCurdy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Set
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to forces and moments, likely involving a ladder or similar structure in equilibrium. Participants are attempting to set up equations based on the sum of forces and moments to analyze the system.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of equations for forces in both x and y directions, as well as moments about a point. There are attempts to clarify the relationships between the forces and the angles involved. Some participants express confusion regarding the angles and the correct application of the equations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with some participants offering guidance on using moments and forces. Confusion about the angles and the setup of the problem has been noted, but no consensus has been reached on the correct interpretation or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a diagram that is referenced but not visible in the thread, leading to potential misunderstandings about the angles and forces involved. There is mention of specific values and relationships, but the clarity of the problem setup remains a point of contention.

Tom McCurdy
Messages
1,021
Reaction score
1
http://www.quantumninja.com/hw/random/2.JPG

I was hoping someone could help me set up this problem. I am not quite sure how to start it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Tom McCurdy said:
http://www.quantumninja.com/hw/random/2.JPG

I was hoping someone could help me set up this problem. I am not quite sure how to start it.

Generally for these types of problems without, you can get only 3 equations.

sum of forces in x direction =0
sum of forces in y direction =0
sum of moments about any point=0

You may not need all the above equations. For moments... if you do need that equation, choose the right point to take the moment about (gives you the information you need). You can technically take the moment about any point, but it'll make the math harder.
 
So is it

[tex]Fy= N[/tex]

[tex]Fx=\mu N[/tex]
[tex]Fx=\mu Fy[/tex]
[tex]0 = L * N * sin 53 - 0.4 L 200 * sin(37)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
then you couls say

[tex]\frac{80 sin 37}{sin 53} = N[/tex]

sorry I am getting confused
 
Last edited:
Wait isn't it this instead
So is it

[tex]Fy= 200[/tex]

[tex]Fx=N[/tex]

[tex]0 = L * N * sin 57 - 0.4 L 200 * sin(37)[/tex][/QUOTE]

[tex]\frac{80 sin 37}{sin 53} = N = Fx[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Can someone see if my work is correct for
a.) = N = [tex]\frac{80 sin 37}{sin 53} = N = Fx[/tex] = [tex]80 tan(37)[/tex]

b.) [tex]N=\mu W[/tex] so

[tex]\frac{80 tan(37)}{200}[/tex]
 
Hi,
Your picture is WRONG, recheck it.
How come an angle is both 37 degrees and 53 degrees?
Remember that the 4 forces must go through 1 point, so that the sum of them is 0.
Find out where the P and the N cut each other. The sum of Fx, And Fy must go through that point.
You have Fy (200 N), you will find Fx (Friction force), and will find out the smallest coefficient of friction needed to support the ladder.
Hope it help,
Viet Dao,
 
Hi,
Or you can use moment to solve it. A lot faster.
Hope it help,
Viet Dao,
 
Yes, I would definitely use summation of moments. Your perpendicular (to the axis) force from the wall will just be (.4)*(200cos37). To get the force in the x direction, which will be the load from the wall, divide that by cos53. Now you will sum forces in the x direction. Since the only other force in that direction is the friction force, it will be equal and opposite to the force from the wall.
 
  • #10
Tom McCurdy said:
So is it

[tex]Fy= N[/tex]

[tex]Fx=\mu N[/tex]
[tex]Fx=\mu Fy[/tex]
[tex]0 = L * N * sin 53 - 0.4 L 200 * sin(37)[/tex]

A couple of things... as Viet says, you've labeled the same angle as both 53 and 37, so I'm not able to tell if your moment equation is correct.
If the angle between the horizontal and the ladder is 53 then your equation is correct. If the angle is 37, then your equation is wrong and you have to switch around the 53 and 37.

So from the moment equation you can solve for N.

sum of force in x direction=0:

Fx-N=0

Since you have N, now you can get Fx. That's part a of the question. Don't confuse the normal force at the top N with Fy normal force at the bottom. They are different.

For part b, you need Fy.

Sum of forces in y direction = 0:

Fy-200=0
Fy=200.

you have friction force Fx. you have the normal force at the bottom Fy. So the coefficient of friction is Fx/Fy.

I apologize if you already understood all this. I was confused by the variables you used, so I thought I just go through it.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K