Calculating Force for a Box on an Inclined Ramp

AI Thread Summary
To determine the smallest force applied perpendicular to a 22 kg box on a 45-degree inclined ramp, the calculations involve friction and gravitational components. The static friction force is calculated as 152 N, leading to a normal force of 119 N when applying the coefficient of static friction. Adjustments to the normal force and friction calculations suggest that an applied force of approximately 42 N is necessary to keep the box at rest. However, one participant noted a slightly different result of 43 N. Overall, the calculations indicate that a force between 42 N and 43 N is required to maintain equilibrium.
highc
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This one's killing me:

A box with a mass of 22 kg is at rest on a ramp inclined at 45 degrees to the horizontal. The coefficients of friction between the box and the ramp are u(s) = 0.78 and u(k) = 0.65.

Determine the magnitude of the smallest force that can be applied onto the top of the box, perpendicular to the ramp, if the box is to remain at rest.

Here's what I'm coming up with:

F(s) = mgsin theta
= (22 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)sin 45 degrees
= 152 N

F(n) = F(s)*u(s)
= (152 N)(0.78)
= 119 N

F(a) = F(n) - Fgcos theta
= 119 N - 152 N
= -33 N

Does this look correct?
 
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Actually, after looking this over once more, I'm thinking:

F(n) = F(g) cos theta + F(a)

Since, F(s) = u(s)F(n), and I've determined F(s) to be 152 N, then

152 N = u(s) (F(g) cos theta + F(a))
= 0.78(152 N + F(a))
= 119 N + 0.78(F(a))
152 N - 119 N = 0.78(F(a))
33 N = 0.78(F(a))

Therefore F(a) = 33 N/0.78
= 42 N

Can anyone confirm this?
 
Last edited:
Seems correct to me. I got the same answer.
 
Haven't looked through all the steps in your working, but I have 43N as the force required.
 
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