Finding the static friction force

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the static friction force exerted by a bathroom scale on a person riding down a slope. The initial assumption was that the static friction force could be calculated using the equation for maximum static friction, leading to an incorrect value of 211 N. However, it was clarified that the actual static friction force is zero because the system is accelerating down the slope without friction. Participants emphasized the importance of applying Newton's second law correctly and considering all forces acting on the person. The conclusion reached was that the static friction force in this scenario is indeed zero.
gijungkim
Messages
50
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


A 60-kg person rides down an icy hill of 20° slope while standing on a 3.0-kg flat-bottomed bathroom scale. Assume there is no frictional force between the bottom of the scale and the hill. The static friction force the scale exerts on the person is

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got 211 but the answer is 0 where did I do wrong?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    59.3 KB · Views: 759
Physics news on Phys.org
You have left out a force on the person that contributes to the acceleration of the person down the slope.

You have assumed that the force of static friction on the person is ##F_f =\mu N##. But this equation is for the maximum possible static friction force. You cannot assume that the static friction force on the person is at it's maximum possible value. In fact, you will discover that ##F_f =0##.

So, set up Newton's second law for the motion of the person down the slope making sure you include all forces acting on the person.
 
Not sure how you got 211 but if we agree the person-sled system is accelerating gsin20 then every part of the system must also be accelerating the same?
 
TSny said:
You have left out a force on the person that contributes to the acceleration of the person down the slope.

You have assumed that the force of static friction on the person is ##F_f =\mu N##. But this equation is for the maximum possible static friction force. You cannot assume that the static friction force on the person is at it's maximum possible value. In fact, you will discover that ##F_f =0##.

So, set up Newton's second law for the motion of the person down the slope making sure you include all forces acting on the person.
Oh I got it now! Thank you so much!
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'
The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...

Similar threads

Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K