How Does Newton's 2nd Law Apply to a Skateboard Pushed by a Cane?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Newton's 2nd Law to a scenario involving a skateboard with a mass of 3.5 kg being pushed by a cane at an angle of 60 degrees. The force applied is 115 N, leading to calculations for the horizontal force and initial acceleration. The correct horizontal force acting on the skateboard is 58 N, and the initial acceleration is 16 m/s². The discrepancy in calculations was attributed to the calculator being set to gradients instead of degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's 2nd Law (F = ma)
  • Basic trigonometry, specifically cosine functions
  • Knowledge of force components in physics
  • Calculator proficiency, particularly in angle settings (degrees vs. gradients)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the application of Newton's 2nd Law in various scenarios
  • Learn about vector decomposition in physics
  • Study the effects of angle on force calculations
  • Practice using scientific calculators, focusing on angle mode settings
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of Newton's laws in action.

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Homework Statement



A man walking with aid of a cane approaches a skateboard (mass 3.5 kg) lying on the sidewalkk. Pushing with an angle of 60 down from the horizontal with his cane, he applies a force of 115N, which is enough to roll the skateboard out of the way.
a) calculate the horizontal force acting on the skateboard
b) calculate the initial acceleration of the skateboard.

The Attempt at a Solution


Fa = ma
115cos60 = 3.5(a)
a = 19.3 m/s2
Fx = 67.55 N.

My answer was wroung T_T
what did i miss?
 
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the setup looks right. did you double check your calculations? i got different answers.

edit: looks like your calculator is set on gradients, not degrees.
 
yea I am pretty sure i did. But the answer is supposed to be 58 N and 16m/s2

edit : lol i feel like an idiot >< thank you
 

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