Fridge on Truck Homework: Find Normal Force, Forces Exerted & Rope Tension

In summary, the conversation involves calculating the normal force, horizontal force, and maximum acceleration of a refrigerator placed on a truck with its dimensions and mass given. The conversation also includes solving for the tension in a rope connecting the refrigerator and the truck when the truck is accelerating. Equations are provided and an attempt is made to solve the problem using the torque equation.
  • #1
ledphones
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Homework Statement



A refrigerator is approximately a uniform parallelepiped h = 8 ft tall, w = 3 ft wide, and d = 2 ft deep. It sits upright on a truck with its 3 ft dimension in the direction of travel. Assume that the refrigerator cannot slide on the truck and that its mass is 130 kg. For the first three parts of this problem, the rope shown in the picture is not there.
a) When the truck is not accelerating, what is the normal force exerted on the refrigerator by the truck bed?

N = N *
1274 OK
b) If the truck now accelerates at 3 m/s2, what is the horizontal force exerted on the refrigerator by the truck bed?

f = N *
390 OK
c) What is the maximum acceleration the truck can have such that the refrigerator does not tip over?

amax = m/s2
d) Suppose now that a rope connects the top of the refrigerator with the cab of the truck, which now accelerates at twice the acceleration calculated in (c). The refrigerator lifts off slightly at the front but is held in place by the horizontal rope. Find the tension in the rope.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



for c) Στ=0 for the fridge to not fall
Στ=m*a*R*h/w-m*g*R*w/h
a=g
a=9.81 m/s^2

this is wrong

for d) i believe i have to set my answer up like this
Στ=0 for the fridge to not fall
Στ=m*a*R*h/w-m*g*R*w/h-T*2*R*h/w
 
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  • #2
c)

g/h=a/w

If you draw a sketch of the body it's evident. The total acceleration (g and a) vector points to an edge.
 

What is the purpose of the "Fridge on Truck Homework"?

The purpose of the "Fridge on Truck Homework" is to apply the principles of mechanics and physics to solve a real-world problem involving a fridge being transported on a truck using ropes.

What is the normal force in this scenario?

The normal force in this scenario is the force exerted by the truck bed on the fridge. It is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the weight of the fridge. It is responsible for keeping the fridge in place on the truck bed and preventing it from falling off.

How do you calculate the forces exerted on the fridge?

The forces exerted on the fridge can be calculated by considering all the external forces acting on the fridge, such as the weight of the fridge, the normal force from the truck bed, and the tension in the ropes. These forces can be calculated using Newton's laws of motion and vector addition.

What is the tension in the ropes?

The tension in the ropes is the force applied by the ropes on the fridge and the truck. It is responsible for keeping the fridge suspended in the air and preventing it from falling off the truck. The tension can be calculated by considering the weight of the fridge and the angle of the ropes.

Why is it important to find the normal force, forces exerted, and rope tension in this scenario?

It is important to find these values in this scenario because they help us understand the stability and safety of the fridge being transported on the truck. By calculating these forces, we can ensure that the fridge is secured properly and that the truck can handle the weight of the fridge without any risk of accidents or damage.

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