Solving for Normal Force between two objects

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario where a car breaks down and is pushed to a repair shop 2.0 km away. The person pushing the car gently accelerates to a speed of 2.5 m/s over the course of 1 minute. The question is asked about the normal force between the two bumpers and the time it takes to reach the repair shop. The equations used are Fn=-mg and D=vt, with the answers of 11760N and 5 seconds. However, the correct answers are 50N and 830 seconds. It is unclear why g was used in the first equation.
  • #1
Dyscalculiac
1
0

Homework Statement


Your friend's car broke down. You push it to a repair shop 2.0 km away. You gently put your car's bumper against the broken car's bumper and accelerate to a speed of 2.5 m/s over the course of 1 min. If the broken car's mass is 1200 kg, what is the normal force between the two bumpers? And, If you maintain a speed of 2.5 what is the total time it takes to reach the repair shop?

Homework Equations



Fn=-mg and D=vt

The Attempt at a Solution

For the first answer I used the equation Fn=-mg to find the normal force. I got 11760N. For the second I used d=vt and got 5 seconds. The answer is 50N and 830 seconds. What am I missing??
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What does g have to do with the normal force between the bumpers?
 

1. What is normal force and why is it important to solve for it?

Normal force is the force that an object exerts on another object when they are in contact. It is important to solve for it because it helps us understand the interaction between two objects and can help us determine the stability and equilibrium of a system.

2. How do you calculate the normal force between two objects?

The normal force can be calculated using the formula N = mgcosθ, where N is the normal force, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle between the object and the surface it is resting on.

3. Are there any other factors that can affect the normal force between two objects?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the normal force. These include the coefficient of friction between the two objects, the angle of the surface, and any external forces acting on the objects.

4. Can the normal force ever be negative?

No, the normal force is always positive. It is a reaction force that opposes the weight of the object and prevents it from sinking into the surface it is resting on.

5. How can solving for normal force be applied in real-life situations?

Solving for normal force can be applied in various real-life situations such as designing structures, understanding the mechanics of objects in motion, and predicting the behavior of objects in contact with each other. It is also useful in solving problems related to friction, stability, and equilibrium.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
868
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top