Equilibrium Wedge Problem: Solving for Force Exerted on Plates by Resting Ball

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the forces exerted on two steel plates by a resting steel ball with a mass of 1.7 kg (16.66 N) positioned in a V-shaped wedge at a 25-degree angle. The primary focus is on understanding the equilibrium of forces acting on the ball, which includes gravitational force and the normal forces from the plates. The solution involves applying the conditions of equilibrium for three forces acting on the ball, leading to the determination of the force exerted on each plate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of static equilibrium conditions
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine
  • Basic concepts of force diagrams and free-body diagrams
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  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in physics
  • Learn how to construct and analyze free-body diagrams
  • Explore the application of trigonometric functions in force resolution
  • Investigate the effects of friction in similar problems
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineering students, and professionals involved in mechanics, particularly those dealing with static forces and equilibrium problems.

Destrio
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A steel ball of mass 1.7kg (16.66N) rests in the V shaped wedge (25 degrees) formed by two steel plates. Find the magnitude of the force exerted on each plate by the ball if the friction between the ball and the plates is not significant.

I really don't know where to start here, or exactly what force I'm trying to find.
I drew the diagram and used the sin law to find the other forces (using 16.66N) as one of the sides but that didn't work, nor did it makes sense to my as why it would work.

So I'm pretty stuck on this one.

Thanks
 
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Try thinking different: which forces are acting on the ball from the plates? Including gravity, there are three forces acting on the ball now, right? So, what is the condition of equilibrium of three forces?
 
thanks!
that enabled me to solve it :)
 

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