- #1
vic226
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Homework Statement
A bale is 0.25 m wide, 0.50 m high, and 0.80 m long, with mass 30.0 kg. The center of gravity of each bale is at its geometrical center. It is dragged along a horizontal surface with constant speed by a force [tex]\vec{F}[/tex]. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.35.
A) Find the magnitude of the force [tex]\vec{F}[/tex].
B) Find the value of h at which the bale just begins to tip.
Homework Equations
[tex]\sum{\vec{F}} = 0[/tex]
[tex]\sum{\vec{\tau}} = 0[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
Part A is easy; for the bale to move at constant speed,
[tex]F = fr = \mu F_N = \mu mg = 102.9 N \approx 100 N[/tex]
Part B is where I get stuck. I just randomly submitted the answer based on the picture's scale (I know it's not reliable but I had no choice, as it was a few minutes before due), and I got the answer h = 0.36 m. I know it has something to do with torque at equilibrium and the center of gravity of the system, but I fail to understand how it would work on such situation. Any pointers would be much appreciated.