Force Applied to Box on Incline

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the normal force of a box at rest on an inclined surface under the influence of a vertical force and two friction coefficients. The box has a mass of 36kg and the incline is at an angle of 20.0° above horizontal. The vertical force is given as 48N, and the coefficients of static and kinetic friction are .240 and .150, respectively. To determine the normal force, one must consider whether the box remains at rest or begins to move, and use the appropriate friction coefficient accordingly.
  • #1
morgane28v
3
0
A force is applied to a box that is initially at rest on an inclined surface. The incline is at an angle θ=20.0° above horizontal. The mass is m=36kg and the vertical force is Fapp= 48N. Between the box and the inclined surface the coefficient of static friction, μs=.240 and a coefficient of kinetic friction, μk=.150. Use this information to fine the normal force in this situation.

I am confused on where to start. Do I have to use both friction coefficients?
 
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  • #2
Is the applied force vertically up or vertically down? Either way, draw the free body diagram.
Which coefficient to use depends on whether things move. You know it is initially at rest, so try supposing it stays that way. Use the information provided to find whether static friction is overcome. If it is, switch to using the coefficient for kinetic friction.
 

What is the force applied to a box on an incline?

The force applied to a box on an incline is the amount of external force, typically measured in Newtons (N), that is required to move the box up or down the incline. This force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the box (in kilograms) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²) and the sine of the angle of the incline.

How does the angle of the incline affect the force applied?

The angle of the incline directly affects the force applied to the box. As the angle of the incline increases, the force required to move the box also increases. This is because the steeper the incline, the more the force of gravity is pulling the box down, making it harder to move against that force.

What role does friction play in the force applied to the box?

Friction can either increase or decrease the force applied to the box on an incline, depending on the direction of the force. If the force is applied in the direction of motion, friction will decrease the force required to move the box. However, if the force is applied in the opposite direction of motion, friction will increase the force required to move the box.

How can the force applied to the box be decreased?

The force applied to the box can be decreased by decreasing the angle of the incline, reducing the mass of the box, or decreasing the coefficient of friction between the box and the incline. Additionally, using tools such as a ramp or pulley system can also decrease the force required to move the box.

What is the relationship between the force applied and the acceleration of the box?

According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the force applied to an object is directly proportional to its acceleration. This means that as the force applied to the box increases, the acceleration of the box will also increase. However, if the force applied remains constant, the acceleration of the box will only increase if the mass of the box decreases or the angle of the incline decreases.

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