What are the forces on a wagon being pulled up an inclined hill?

  • Thread starter Physics.101
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Dynamics
In summary, we have a child pulling a wagon of mass 7.38 kg up a hill inclined at an angle of 14.3° to the horizontal. Neglecting friction, the acceleration of the wagon is 6.45 cm/s2 up the hill. To solve for the magnitude of the force applied by the child and the normal force on the wagon, we can use the equation F=ma and consider the forces acting on the wagon, including the force applied by the child and the normal force. By breaking down each force into its parallel component to the slope, we can write an equation for the sum of these forces equaling the mass of the wagon multiplied by its acceleration up the hill.
  • #1
Physics.101
5
0
Member warned about not including efforts

Homework Statement


A child is pulling a wagon of mass 7.38 kg up a hill inclined at an angle of 14.3° to the horizontal. The child applies a force parallel to the hill. The acceleration of the wagon is 6.45 cm/s2 up the hill. Friction is negligible. Determine the magnitude of (a) the force applied by the child, and (b) the normal force on the wagon.

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You might need some directional components for this one. Try drawing a diagram.
 
  • #3
We need to have an FBD for the wagon.
 
  • #4
Is there any other way this problem can be solved?
 
  • #5
Oh, I suppose you could just guess.
 
  • #6
ok
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Physics.101 said:
Is there any other way this problem can be solved?
a) F = ma, what's F in this case?
b) N = mgcosθ
 
  • Like
Likes Physics.101
  • #8
thank you for your help td21 :)
 
  • #9
td21 said:
a) F = ma, what's F in this case?
b) N = mgcosθ
I understand b) now thanks :D but a) I am still having trouble understand how it is solved
 
  • #10
Physics.101 said:
I understand b) now thanks :D but a) I am still having trouble understand how it is solved
  1. List all the forces acting on the wagon.
  2. For each force, determine the component of it parallel to the slope.
  3. Write an equation corresponding to ##\Sigma F = ma## for the forces and acceleration parallel to the slope.
 

What is the "Dynamics wagon problem"?

The "Dynamics wagon problem" is a physics problem that involves a wagon rolling down a hill and into a valley. The goal is to determine the speed and distance travelled by the wagon at various points along its path.

What are the main concepts used to solve the "Dynamics wagon problem"?

The main concepts used to solve the "Dynamics wagon problem" are the principles of conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, and Newton's laws of motion.

What are the key steps to solve the "Dynamics wagon problem"?

The key steps to solve the "Dynamics wagon problem" are to draw a free-body diagram of the wagon, apply Newton's laws of motion to determine the net force acting on the wagon, use conservation of energy to calculate the potential and kinetic energy at different points, and use conservation of momentum to determine the final velocity of the wagon.

What are some real-life applications of the "Dynamics wagon problem"?

The "Dynamics wagon problem" has many real-life applications, such as understanding the motion of vehicles on inclined surfaces, designing roller coasters and other amusement park rides, and predicting the trajectory of objects in projectile motion.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving the "Dynamics wagon problem"?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving the "Dynamics wagon problem" include not considering all the forces acting on the wagon, not properly setting up the equations for conservation of energy and momentum, and not taking into account the effects of friction and air resistance.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
Back
Top