Calculating constant velocity using work

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required for a 25.6-kg boy to pull a 4.81-kg toboggan up a hill inclined at 25.7º at a constant velocity. Key equations include W = F x ∆d, Eg = mgh, and Ek = 0.5mv^2. The boy's applied force must counteract gravitational and frictional forces, leading to an acceleration of zero at constant velocity. The correct approach involves including the pulling force in the force balance equation.

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anonymous12
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Homework Statement


A 25.6-kg boy pulls a 4.81-kg toboggan up a hill inclined at 25.7º to the horizontal. The vertical height of the hill is 27.3 m and the coefficient of friction of the hill surface is 0.4
a) Determine how much work the boy must apply on the toboggan to pull it at a constant velocity up the hill? (Hint: An FBD is needed to see all your forces acting on te toboggan)

Homework Equations


W = F x ∆d
Eg = mgh
Ek = 0.5mv^2
vf^2 - vi^2 = 2a∆d

The Attempt at a Solution



-mgsin25.7º - \mu Kmgcos25.7º = m * a
-(30.41 x 9.8 x sin 25.7º) - (.4 x 30.41 x 9.8 x cos 25.7) = 30.41 * a
-129.24 - 106.46 = 30.41a
a = -7.75 m/s^2Calculating length of the hill:

\frac{27.3}{sin25.7º} = 62.95m

I don't really know what to do after this.
 
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anonymous12 said:

Homework Statement


A 25.6-kg boy pulls a 4.81-kg toboggan up a hill inclined at 25.7º to the horizontal. The vertical height of the hill is 27.3 m and the coefficient of friction of the hill surface is 0.4
a) Determine how much work the boy must apply on the toboggan to pull it at a constant velocity up the hill? (Hint: An FBD is needed to see all your forces acting on te toboggan)

Homework Equations


W = F x ∆d
Eg = mgh
Ek = 0.5mv^2
vf^2 - vi^2 = 2a∆d

The Attempt at a Solution



-mgsin25.7º - \mu Kmgcos25.7º = m * a
-(30.41 x 9.8 x sin 25.7º) - (.4 x 30.41 x 9.8 x cos 25.7) = 30.41 * a
-129.24 - 106.46 = 30.41a
a = -7.75 m/s^2Calculating length of the hill:

\frac{27.3}{sin25.7º} = 62.95m

I don't really know what to do after this.

If the boy is pulling the toboggan up the hill at a constant speed, then what must the acceleration be equal to? Hint: your mistake was that you forgot one of the forces in the force balance equation: the applied force from the boy!
 
Last edited:
The reply above is spot on.

reconsider your acceleration and add the pulling force from the boy.
 
Ooooh thank you! I feel like an idiot now :(:
 

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