The discussion revolves around determining the normal force acting on a wagon being pushed at an angle, with specific parameters including mass, applied force, and coefficient of kinetic friction. Participants are exploring the forces involved in this scenario.
Some participants are attempting to clarify the forces at play and the relationships between them. Guidance has been offered regarding the setup of equations for vertical and horizontal forces, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations.
There is mention of potential confusion regarding the coefficient of kinetic friction and its implications for the problem setup. Participants are also questioning the direction of the applied force in relation to the wagon.
You'll use Newton's laws, of course.Maya KDeoimmich said:I'm not sure what equation to use to find the normal force and then the acceleration.
Oops, one more force acts. (I meant to say four, not three.) But those three are good. What's missing?Maya KDeoimmich said:Gravity, friction, and the applied force
Exactly.Maya KDeoimmich said:normal force? not sure
Which way? I.e. is it tending to push down on the wagon or up on it?Maya KDeoimmich said:an angle of 46 with the horizontal
How do you get that? Isn't the mg vertical?Maya KDeoimmich said:Fy = mgcos46-N
Ouch! Unless the wheels are locked they mean rolling resistance, not friction, but don't worry about that for now.Maya KDeoimmich said:the coefficient of kinetic friction between the wagon and the ground is 0.21