Mechanics - Pulley system finding coefficient of friction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a pulley system and determining the minimum coefficient of friction to prevent a farmer from slipping. Key equations include the balance of forces in both vertical and horizontal directions, specifically involving tension, weight, and normal force. Participants emphasize the importance of creating a free body diagram to visualize the forces at play, which helps in deriving the normal force and subsequently the frictional force. The conversation highlights the need to correctly apply the equations to find the required static friction. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
Roaku
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Homework Statement


Mechanics Q36a.png



Homework Equations



I believe:
F = m . a
Ffriction = μs . N
Ffriction = μs . mg . cosθ

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't quite get how the equations above would give me an answer to the minimum friction required so that the farmer doesn't slip. I know Fl = (70x9.81)cos(40) = 526N But there is now a variable Ffriction that I don't know how to find...

I'm terrible at physics. If someone could explain or give me a head start, it would be appreciated.
 
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Hi Roaku! Welcome to PF :smile:

Start by making the free body diagram of the problem. You will have the forces balanced as, for the vertical direction, of the farmer...

Tsin\theta - mg = N

where N is the normal reaction, and T is tension in the rope.

Similarly, you will have an equation for the horizontal direction for the farmer, involving frictional force. Find the normal reaction from the above equation and use it in the one you made to get the minimum static friction.
 
Roaku said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 48197


Homework Equations



I believe:
F = m . a
Ffriction = μs . N General Equatiom
Ffriction = μs . mg . cosθ NOT general equation

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't quite get how the equations above would give me an answer to the minimum friction required so that the farmer doesn't slip. I know Fl = (70x9.81)cos(40) = 526N But there is now a variable Ffriction that I don't know how to find...

I'm terrible at physics. If someone could explain or give me a head start, it would be appreciated.

Use only general equation.
Then find value of N.
You also need to know not only the magnitude but also the direction of all the forces involve.
 
Last edited:
Infinitum said:
Start by making the free body diagram of the problem. You will have the forces balanced as, for the vertical direction, of the farmer...

Tsin\theta - mg = N

where N is the normal reaction, and T is tension in the rope.

The free-body diagram refers to the man. N is the normal force exerted on his feet by the ground. It points upward. The ground can not exert downward force. The vertical component of the tension also points upward. The weight of the man points downward. So the equation for the vertical force components is Tsin(theta)+N-mg=0, that is, N= mg-Tsin(theta)

ehild
 
Whoops, I mis-posted the equation.

Tsin\theta - mg + N = 0

Thanks for observing that, ehild :smile:
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...

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