Calculating Distance: Free Body Diagram for Box Sliding with Friction

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the distance a 250 kg box travels before coming to rest after sliding down a ramp and across a level floor with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.20. A horizontal force of 140 N is applied to the box, which is initially moving at 1.0 m/s to the left. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly drawing the free-body diagram, noting that there is no leftward force acting on the box because it continues to move at a constant velocity due to inertia. Clarification is sought on the variables used in the calculations, specifically Fk (frictional force), Fa (applied force), and Ft (tension force). Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately solving the problem.
Shehryar
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 250 kg box slides down the ramp and then across a level floor. The coefficient of kinetic friction along the floor is 0.20. A person see the box moving at 1.0 m/s(left) and pushes on it with a horizontal force of 140 N (right). How far does the box travel before coming to rest?

I know that Fk = 0.20, m = 250g. Now I have to draw the free-body diagram.

2. The attempt at a solution

Initially, the diagram was like this:
<-------- v = -1.0m/sFa<------BOX----->Fa
----->Ft

Gravity and the normal force were also drawn, however, the diagram is wrong... For some reason, there is no Fa on the left side, but WHY? If the box was going off the ramp it has to have some force that is keeping it moving to the left? Can someone please explain how to draw the free body diagram, especially why there is no leftward force?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Shehryar said:
If the box was going off the ramp it has to have some force that is keeping it moving to the left?
Not so. This is fundamental to kinetics. A body with no net force acting on it will keep moving with constant velocity.
Please clarify the meanings of your variables, Fk, Fa, Ft.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
1K