Find the force needed to move the elephant

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a tug of war scenario between a man and an elephant, focusing on the forces required to move the elephant, given their weights and the coefficient of friction. The subject area includes concepts of force, friction, and basic mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the elephant and the man, questioning the original poster's calculations and suggesting a need to consider all relevant forces. There is also a hint towards exploring different scenarios, such as the effect of moving on ice.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on considering additional forces and encouraging a reevaluation of the original calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the role of friction.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the coefficient of friction and its impact on the forces involved, but the original poster's calculations may lack completeness. The implications of the man's ability to exert a certain force are also questioned.

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Homework Statement


A very stong 115 kg man is having a tug of war with 1750 kg elephant. the coefficient friction for both on the groud is 1.o. a) find the force needed to move the elphant. b)
What would happen if the man could exert such a force

Homework Equations


F=w+a


The Attempt at a Solution


A)115kg+1750kg/1.0 =1865N
am i write?
B) the guy will probably die
am i right?
 
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I think you might need to re think this slightly. Start by thinking about, or even better listing, all of the forces involved (all forces currently acting on the object you're interested in) and have a look in some textbooks or do an internet search to make sure you have all of the relevant (and correct) equations to solve the problem.

Once you have all of that you can start thinking about the additional force required (given the existing forces) to move the object.

Ben.
 
In order to move the elephant you would need to overcome its friction. How is its friction related to its weight?
 
hint: what would happen on ice? :wink:
 

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