Garden cart being pushed over a bump

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum horizontal force required to push a garden cart over an 8cm step. The cart, with a total mass of 55kg and a wheel diameter of 60cm, requires a force of 500N to initiate movement over the obstacle. The analysis involves applying the principles of static equilibrium, specifically the equations for the sum of forces and torques. The turning point during the ascent is identified as the contact point with the step, where the moments created by the applied force and the weight of the cart must balance.

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Homework Statement


A garden cart loaded with firewood is being pushed horizontally when it encounters a step 8cm high. The mass of the cart and the load is 55kg, and the cart is balanced so that its centre of mass is directly over the axle. The wheel diameter is 60cm. What is the minimum horizontal force that will get the cart up the step.

Homework Equations


I am guessing the relevant ones are
[tex]\Sigma F = 0[/tex]
[tex]\Sigma \tau = 0[/tex]
because the topic is static equilirium

The Attempt at a Solution


No idea on where to even start this one
Answer in back of book = 500N
 
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Sketch the circular wheel touching the step. As the wheel begins to go up, the turning point will be its point of contact with the step. If we are going to the right, there will be a moment clockwise due to the horizontal force applied to the wheel barrow. There will be a counterclockwise moment due to the the weight of the wheel barrow. The two moments must be equal for motion to begin.
 
Yes I've got it. Thanks for the tip
 

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