Firefighter Sliding Down Pole: Magnitudes & Directions of Forces

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a firefighter sliding down a vertical pole, focusing on the forces acting on the firefighter and the pole. The problem involves understanding the magnitudes and directions of these forces while considering the firefighter's weight and acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the forces acting on the firefighter, including gravity and the net force. Questions arise about the relationship between the firefighter's weight, the forces from the pole, and the net acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the forces involved and attempting to clarify their understanding of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of Newton's second law and the relationship between the forces.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the firefighter's weight as a given value and discuss the implications of the acceleration while questioning the net forces at play. There is an acknowledgment of time constraints affecting the original poster's ability to engage deeply with the problem.

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A firefighter with a weight of 712 N slides down a vertical pole with an acceleration of 3.00 m/s^2, directed downward. What are the magnitudes and directions of the vertical forces (a) on the firefighter from the pole and (b) on the pole from the firefighter?? I think the magnitudes would be the same, but other than that I don't know. If you've followed my other threads, you'll know I'm pressed for time, but you'll also know I'm here to learn. Thanks!
 
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what is the force pulling him down?

What is the net force?

Can you find the force of the pole?
 
The force pulling him down? Gravity, at -9.8 m/s^2, right?
As for the net force, or the force of the pole, I'm not sure.
 
physics newb said:
The force pulling him down? Gravity, at -9.8 m/s^2, right?
As for the net force, or the force of the pole, I'm not sure.
he's sliding down the pole with acceleration with 3m/s^2 right?

is this the acceleration due to gravity? No... that means some force is opposing gravity right? What is the net acceleration? Net means the acceleration that is actually happening after all factors are taken into play.
 
So are you saying you would add gravity and the 3.00 m/s^2?
 
What force of gravity acts on the person? Hint: It's given!

What must the net force be on the person? Hint: Use Newton's 2nd law.

The upward force from the pole and the downward force of gravity act together to provide the net force. Use that fact to figure out the upward force from the pole.
 
Is the firefighter's actual weight the force of gravity that acts on him, 712 N?

I happen to know the answer is 494 N up, and 494 N down. Now, how do I get to this answer?
 
physics newb said:
Is the firefighter's actual weight the force of gravity that acts on him, 712 N?
Yes.

I happen to know the answer is 494 N up, and 494 N down. Now, how do I get to this answer?
By answering the questions in my last post and doing what I suggested.
 

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