Can someone Equilibrium/friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving equilibrium and friction, specifically focusing on a block against a vertical wall. The problem includes determining the minimum force required to prevent the block from sliding down and the force needed to start moving it up the wall, given the weight of the block and the coefficient of static friction.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the forces acting on the block, including weight, friction, and the applied force. There are attempts to resolve the applied force into its components and relate them to the static friction and normal force. Questions arise regarding the direction of the frictional force and how to calculate it from the normal force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into resolving the applied force into its components and have begun to formulate equations based on the forces involved. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the calculations and the relationships between the forces, particularly in the context of static friction.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the application of static friction and its dependence on the normal force, as well as the need to clarify the directions of the forces involved. Participants are also questioning the validity of their calculations and assumptions made during the problem-solving process.

mslena79
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[bQuestion Details:

I am having trouble answering this question.

The drawing shows a block against a vertical wall to its right. The force F is pointed at the lower left hand corner of the block at 40.0 deg. left of -y-axis


The weight of the block in the drawing is 88.9N. The coefficient of the static friction between the block and the vertical wall is 0.560. a)What minimum force F is required to prevent the block from sliding down the wall? b) What minimum force F is required to start the block moving up the wall?


Here is my attempt at it--

a) Fs(max)=(0.560)(88.9N)=49.8N
Fy=88.9N-49.8N=39.1N
Fx=(39.1N)/(cos(40))=51.0N
sqrt{39.1^2+51.0^2}=F
F=64.3N

b) 88.9N +49.8 N=138.7N=Fy
Fx=(138.7N)/(cos(40))=181.06N
sqrt{138.7^2+181.06^2}=F
F=228N

But it doesn't seem right!
 
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Fs(max)=(0.560)(88.9N)=49.8N
This is incorrect.

The friction between the block and wall is not dependent on the weight, which is pointing downward with gravity and parallel with the wall.

The friction is related to \muFx, which is perpendicular or normal to the wall.

a) Weight acts down, Fy acts up, and Fs acts _________?

b) Weight acts down, Fy acts up, and Fs acts _________?
 
a) Fs acts up
b)Fs acts down
The problem is I'm not sure how to get Fs from the normal force in the x direction from the wall.
 
mslena79 said:
a) Fs acts up
b)Fs acts down
The problem is I'm not sure how to get Fs from the normal force in the x direction from the wall.
Sure you do!

One simply resolves F into its x and y components.

Fx = F sin \theta, where \theta is the angle with the y-axis or vertical. If one selected the angle with the x-axis or horizontal, then one would use cos instead of sin.

then Fy = F cos \theta

We know \mu = 0.56 and we know the angle \theta = 40°, and we know how to find Fs.

Write the equations for the forces expressed in parts a and b.
 
a)Fs=\musFn
Fn=F(cos40)
Fs=(.560)(F(cos40))
Fs-mg+F(sin40)=0
F(0.560*cos(40)+sin(40))=88.9N
F=82.9N

b)-Fs-mg+F(sin(40))=0
F(sin(40)-(.560*cos(40))=88.9N
F=415.4N

answer for b doesn't seem right.
 
You post the same question twice??

I believe I gave you a good answer:
Here
 

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