A person pushes on a mower ?

  • Thread starter justinbaker
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In summary, the conversation was about a person pushing a lawn mower at constant speed with a force of 71.0 N directed at an angle of 46.0° to the horizontal. The horizontal retarding force on the mower was calculated to be 49.3 N, the normal force exerted vertically upward by the ground was calculated to be 218 N, and the force needed to accelerate the mower from rest to 1.1 m/s in 2.0 seconds was calculated to be 82.8 N.
  • #1
justinbaker
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Here is the question i have. I got the first two no prob. But ihave no idea how i got the third answer. The answers shown are all correct. So if anyone can explain how to get the third answer, thanks everyone

A person pushes a 17.0 kg lawn mower at constant speed with a force of 71.0 N directed along the handle, which is at an angle of = 46.0° to the horizontal

http://www.webassign.net/giancoli5/4_40alt.gif

Calculate the horizontal retarding force on the mower = 49.3 N

Calculate the normal force exerted vertically upward on the mower by the ground =218

Calculate the force the person must exert on the lawn mower to accelerate it from rest to 1.1 m/s in 2.0 seconds (assuming the same retarding force).
=82.8


Thanks,
justinbaker@gmail.com
 
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  • #2
Since the mover moves in the horizontal direction only, we will consider the x-components only. Left direction : Negative; Right direction: Positive.
[tex]
\begin{multline*}
\begin{split}
&Newton's\ 2nd\ Law:\\
&\sum \vec{F}=m\vec{a}\\
&\vec{F_x}+\vec{D}=m\vec{a}\\
&|\vec{F}|cos46^0 + (-49.3)=17.0*(\frac{1.1-0}{2.0})\\
&|\vec{F}|=84.4\ N\\
\end{split}
\end{multline*}
[/tex]
 

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  • #3


The third answer, 82.8 N, can be calculated using Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma). In this scenario, the mass of the lawn mower is given as 17.0 kg and the acceleration is 1.1 m/s^2. Therefore, the force needed to accelerate the mower can be calculated as 17.0 kg x 1.1 m/s^2, which equals 18.7 kg*m/s^2 or 18.7 N. However, this only accounts for the force needed to overcome the retarding force (49.3 N) and does not take into account the force needed to maintain the constant speed of the mower. So, the total force needed is 49.3 N + 18.7 N, which equals 68.0 N. However, the problem states that the person is pushing with a force of 71.0 N, so the actual force needed to accelerate the mower would be 71.0 N - 49.3 N, which equals 21.7 N. This is the force that the person must exert on the lawn mower to accelerate it from rest to 1.1 m/s in 2.0 seconds. I hope this helps clarify the calculation for you.
 

1. What is the scientific explanation behind a person pushing on a mower?

When a person pushes on a mower, they are exerting a force on the mower in the direction of motion. This force is then transferred to the blades of the mower, causing them to spin, cut the grass, and propel the mower forward.

2. How does a person's body contribute to the motion of a mower?

A person's body acts as the source of the force needed to move the mower. By pushing against the handle, the person applies a force that is then transmitted to the mower through their arms, hands, and feet.

3. What factors affect the amount of force needed to push a mower?

The amount of force needed to push a mower depends on several factors, including the weight of the mower, the type and thickness of the grass, and the incline of the ground. A heavier mower, thicker grass, and steeper inclines will require more force to move the mower.

4. Can a person's technique impact the efficiency of pushing a mower?

Yes, a person's technique can greatly affect the efficiency of pushing a mower. For example, pushing with their arms and upper body can be more tiring and less efficient than pushing with their legs and using their body weight to assist in the motion.

5. Is pushing a mower considered a form of exercise?

Yes, pushing a mower can be considered a form of exercise as it involves physical exertion and can help strengthen muscles in the arms, legs, and core. However, the intensity and duration of the exercise may vary depending on the individual and the specific mower being used.

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