Finding the weight, work, and normal force of a block

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the weight, work, and normal force of blocks subjected to various forces and friction on horizontal surfaces. Key calculations involve using Newton's second law (F=ma) and the work formula (W=F·d). Specific examples include a block with a mass of 2.6 kg experiencing a force of 22.0 N and a friction force of 3.1 N, where the weight is determined to be 25.48 N. The normal force and work done by the normal force are also calculated for different scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of the work formula (W=F·d)
  • Familiarity with concepts of weight and normal force
  • Basic grasp of vector products and dot products
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's second law in various contexts
  • Learn about calculating work done by different forces
  • Explore the concept of normal force in different scenarios
  • Investigate vector calculus and its application in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those tackling mechanics and force calculations, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for learners.

sample5
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


4 questions:
1. A block of mass M=2.6 kg is dragged over a horizontal surface by a force F=22.0 N. The block is displaced a distance d=10.0 m, the friction force Ff is 3.1 N. What is the weight of the block in Newtons? Use 10 m/s2 for g.

2. A block of mass M=1.0 kg is dragged over a horizontal surface by a force F=20.0N. The block is displaced a distance d=10.0 m, the friction force Ff is 5.0 N. What is the work done by the weight Fg?

3. A block of mass M=2.6 kg is dragged over a horizontal surface by a force F=22.0 N. The block is displaced a distance d=10.0 m, the friction force Ff is 3.1 N. What is the normal force acting on the block?

4. A block of mass M=3.3 kg is dragged over a horizontal surface by a force F=29.0 N. The block is displaced a distance d=17.0 m, the friction force Ff is 4.8 N. What is the work done by the normal force FN?


Homework Equations



W=fxd


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried to watch my instructors videos and none of this section makes any sense to me! I am in need of someone to explain how to figure all of these out please !
Thank you so much
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi,
The fundamental thing to remember here, is Newton's second law, or F=ma(mass times acceleration).
Weight is a special case of a force, where the acceleration is a constant g, and it is always downward, depending on your choice of axes.
You wrote down correctly, that [itex]\large W = Fd[/itex], but remember that it's a vector product, a dot product, and preferably an integral, [itex]W = \displaystyle \int \vec{F}\cdot d\vec{r}[/itex].
Does this make things clearer?
Daniel
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K