How much force is needed to move the crate?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force required to move a crate weighing 38 kg, pushed at an angle of 21° below the horizontal, with a coefficient of static friction of 0.57. The normal force (Fn) is determined to be 380 N, calculated by multiplying the mass by gravitational acceleration (10 m/s²). To find the force (F) needed to overcome static friction, participants suggest using a free body diagram (FBD) to visualize forces and establish equations for both vertical and horizontal components. The key takeaway is that the applied force must exceed the frictional force to initiate movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion (f=ma)
  • Knowledge of static friction and its calculation (Fs=(\mus)(Fn))
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams (FBD)
  • Basic algebra for solving simultaneous equations
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  • Learn how to construct and analyze free body diagrams (FBD) in physics
  • Study the concept of static friction and its role in motion
  • Explore Newton's laws of motion in greater detail
  • Practice solving simultaneous equations in physics problems
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Homework Statement



Someone pushes a crate with a force F at 21° below the horizontal. The crate weights 38 kg, and the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the ground is .57. Find the amount of force needed to move the crate.

Homework Equations



f=ma
Fs=(\mus)(Fn)

The Attempt at a Solution



First i tried to find Fn, so i multiplied the mass by 10, and got 380N. Then i added Fsin21 to find Fn...thats about as far as i got haha i don't know what to do after that. i know i need F, but i don't know how to find what it is.
 
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So you know the value of the frictional force.
What force must just be a little bit greater than this frictional force?
 
axlg38 said:

Homework Statement



Someone pushes a crate with a force F at 21° below the horizontal. The crate weights 38 kg, and the coefficient of static friction between the crate and the ground is .57. Find the amount of force needed to move the crate.

Homework Equations



f=ma
Fs=(\mus)(Fn)

The Attempt at a Solution



First i tried to find Fn, so i multiplied the mass by 10, and got 380N. Then i added Fsin21 to find Fn...thats about as far as i got haha i don't know what to do after that. i know i need F, but i don't know how to find what it is.

If you haven't done so, I recommend drawing a free body diagram (FBD). It will help you to visualize what you need.

Also, make a list of what you know and what you don't know.

Can you construct the same number of equations as your unknowns?
 
the force you need to push with?
 
im not exactly sure what i need to know to solve this haha
 
axlg38 said:
im not exactly sure what i need to know to solve this haha

Like I mentioned above, draw out a FBD with your forces. It will help you to see what you need to solve for.
 
already had it drawn out, the only things i seem to be missing are F, Fk, and Fn
 
axlg38 said:
the force you need to push with?
The force you push is at 21 below horizontal. But I asked for the force just to balance the friction and the if two forces are to balance each other they have to be opposite in dir.
Follow advice given and draw the FBD.
 
i did, to the best of my ability
 
  • #10
axlg38 said:
already had it drawn out, the only things i seem to be missing are F, Fk, and Fn

Alright. Remember that there is no acceleration up or down (since the ground is solid). What does this mean to the forces in the vertical direction? Can you write out an equation showing this relation?

What are you looking for in the horizontal direction? Can you write out a relation with the forces you know to create this?

Once you have these 2 equations, solve them simultaneously.
 

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