Amount of force to pull a sled up an icy slope

In summary, the problem involves pulling a sled with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.05 at a constant velocity across level snow. The sled has a total mass of 19 kg and is loaded with physics books. The equations used are F = μn and Fy-net = 0, and the normal force (N) can be found using F_N = mgcos(30). The other forces involved are the tension on the rope and the force of gravity. When pulling the sled up a 30 degree slope, the upward component of the applied force is F_appsin(30). The FBD includes the friction, normal force, tension on the rope, and force of gravity.
  • #1
Capncanada
53
0

Homework Statement



You're using a rope to pull a sled at constant velocity across level snow,with coefficient of kinetic friction 0.050 between sled and the snow. The sled is loaded with physics books, giving a total mass of 19 {\rm kg}.

Homework Equations



F=\mu*n

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried solving for the force and the force of friction seperately then subtracting between them... Not sure if that's correct.
EDIT: I'm sorry I'm on the second part of this question which asks for the same force but at a slope of 30 degrees above horizontal.
 
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  • #2
Okay, a free body diagram (FBD) would be useful here, if you haven't yet drawn it.

Remember the equation for friction involves the normal force, not the weight. What would be the normal force when the sled is on a slope?

When you have the friction force, what other force is there that you need to overcome if you are pulling the sled up a hill?
 
  • #3
The normal force would just be cos30*g right? Since weights not a factor in the friction...?

The other force beside the frictional is the tension of the rope being pulled which would factor in m*g and cos30?
 
  • #4
Capncanada said:
The normal force would just be cos30*g right? Since weights not a factor in the friction...?

The other force beside the frictional is the tension of the rope being pulled which would factor in m*g and cos30?

I guess my statement came out a little confusing. Weight is a factor in friction only to the point that it contributes to the normal force. So the normal force would be

[itex] F_N = m g\cos{(30)}[/itex]

Remember to check your units - g is an acceleration. It needs a mass to become a force.

And you are applying the tension, but what force are you overcoming? The tension you provided would overcome this force.

Take a look at your FBD. You should have the friction, the normal force, the tension on the rope and one other force.
 
  • #5
The final force being gravity
 
  • #6
hi

if the applied force is 30 degrees above the horizontal then the upward component would be
[tex]F_{app}\sin(30)[/tex]. now in FBD , in the vertical direction there are 3 forces, normal force N is acting on the sled upward , [tex]F_{app}\sin(30)[/tex] is acting on the sled upward and force due to gravity , mg , is acting on the sled downwards. since there is no net force in vertical direction,

[tex]F_{y-net}=0[/tex]

use this to solve for the normal force N.
 

1. What factors affect the amount of force needed to pull a sled up an icy slope?

The amount of force needed to pull a sled up an icy slope depends on several factors, including the weight of the sled and its contents, the grade of the slope, the coefficient of friction between the sled and the ice, and the strength and technique of the person pulling the sled.

2. How does the weight of the sled and its contents affect the force needed to pull it up an icy slope?

The heavier the sled and its contents, the more force will be required to pull it up an icy slope. This is because the weight of the sled and its contents increases the overall mass that needs to be moved, and therefore requires more force to overcome the force of gravity pulling it down the slope.

3. What is the coefficient of friction and how does it affect the force needed to pull a sled up an icy slope?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of how much resistance there is between two surfaces in contact. In this case, it refers to the amount of friction between the sled and the ice. The higher the coefficient of friction, the more force will be required to pull the sled up the icy slope.

4. Does the grade of the slope have an impact on the force needed to pull a sled up an icy slope?

Yes, the grade or steepness of the slope does have an impact on the force needed to pull a sled up an icy slope. The steeper the slope, the more force will be needed to overcome the force of gravity pulling the sled down the slope.

5. How can the technique of the person pulling the sled affect the amount of force needed to pull it up an icy slope?

The technique of the person pulling the sled can have a significant impact on the amount of force needed to pull it up an icy slope. Using proper body mechanics and leveraging the strength of the legs can help reduce the amount of force needed, while poor technique can make it more difficult to pull the sled and require more force.

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