Calculating the Mass of a Tractor Being Dragged by a Tow Truck on Wet Concrete

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the mass of a tractor that can be dragged by a tow truck on wet concrete, given the coefficient of static friction and the force exerted by the tow truck.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the mass using the formula for friction and net force. Some participants discuss the implications of static versus kinetic friction in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in a dialogue about the calculations and the assumptions regarding the friction coefficients. While there is some agreement on the correctness of the initial calculation, there is also an exploration of the conditions under which a heavier tractor could be moved.

Contextual Notes

There is a note regarding the difference between static and kinetic friction, suggesting that the problem may have multiple interpretations based on the initial conditions of the tractor's movement.

keyser.soze
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Homework Statement


The coefficient of limiting static friction of a rubber tire in wet concrete is 0.70. What mass of tractor, with its brakes locked, can be dragged by a tow truck that can exert a horizontal force of 1.0 * 10^4 N?


Homework Equations


Fnetx = ma

Ff = us*Fn

Fn = m*g

The Attempt at a Solution


10000 / (0.70*9.8) = 1457.72


Is that right??...Help NEEDED:confused:
 
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What you calculated is the maximum mass of a tractor that can be moved, starting from rest on a horizontal surface, by a tow truck. Because the coeff. of kinetic friction is less than that of static friction, a more massive tractor could be pulled if it started with a nonzero speed. NOTE: I am just nitpicking the question, your solution seems fine to me.
 
oo so thaz rite??
 
yes, good.
 

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