How Do You Calculate the Force Exerted by a Shopper on a Grocery Cart?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the force exerted by a shopper on a grocery cart, the scenario involves pushing against a frictional force of 35.0 N while moving 20.0 m at a constant speed. The shopper applies force at an angle of 25.0º below the horizontal, which complicates the calculations. The mass of the cart is crucial for determining the gravitational force components, but the discussion highlights that gravity's vertical force does not directly affect horizontal motion on level ground. The focus should be on the horizontal component of the applied force, which must overcome friction to maintain constant speed. Understanding these dynamics is essential for applying energy considerations effectively in this context.
crysland
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
A shopper pushes a grocery cart 20.0 m at constant speed on level ground, against a 35.0 N frictional force. He pushes in a direction 25.0º below the horizontal.

Find the force the shopper exerts, using energy considerations.

I got stuck on this because they don't give the mass of the cart.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How would you use the mass of the cart? Suppose it were given, what equations would you apply?
(I find it strange that they ask you to use energy considerations though.)
 
I need to find the x-component of the weight so I need to know the mass.
 
crysland said:
I need to find the x-component of the weight so I need to know the mass.
What x component? Gravity acts vertically and this is a horizontal surface. It's the force applied by the pusher that is not horizontal.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Work done on a shopping cart by friction when being pushed
Replies
4
Views
3K
How Does the Angle of Force Application Affect Work Done on a Cart?
Replies
3
Views
6K
Two carts connected with a spring -- working with forces and acceleration
Replies
14
Views
3K
Impulse and Momentum: Ball and cart connected by a cord
Replies
24
Views
3K
How is Work and Net Work Calculated in a Supermarket Shopping Scenario?
Replies
6
Views
11K
Work done on two cart system with spring
Replies
8
Views
5K
Force and work on a shopping cart
Replies
5
Views
4K
Calculating Fan Force on a Cart: A Physics Problem Solution in 3.5 Seconds
Replies
8
Views
4K
Solving Cart Force Question: Magnitude & Direction
Replies
21
Views
7K
What is the speed of the cart 3.5 s after the fan is on?
Replies
9
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top