How to solve for the normal force in pole vaulting using the equation ΣF = ma?

[x2017]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

ΣF=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

I drew a free body diagram for a), but am unsure where to go from here. Do I have enough information to rearrange the equations above and solve for F_N?

 

[haruspex]

What are all these different forces? You are making it much more complicated than it is.

 

[x2017]

What are all these different forces? You are making it much more complicated than it is.

In the Y direction, F_y1 & F_y2 are the forces on the pole from the athlete's hands, mg is the weight of the pole itself and F_N is the force the ground exerts on the pole.

 

[haruspex]

In the Y direction, F_y1 & F_y2 are the forces on the pole from the athlete's hands, mg is the weight of the pole itself and F_N is the force the ground exerts on the pole.

You do not have any information that allows you to treat the pole and vaulter separately, nor are you asked anything that requires you to do so.

 

[x2017]

You do not have any information that allows you to treat the pole and vaulter separately, nor are you asked anything that requires you to do so.

Okay, so is it as simple as saying that the force from the ground acting on the pole is equal and opposite to the net vertical force? So -1500N?
Or should it be -1500N + mg of the pole/athlete since the mass of both together was given?

EDIT: I think my first idea is most likely correct if this is the right way to think about the problem since 1500N is the net vertical force

 

[haruspex]

Okay, so is it as simple as saying that the force from the ground acting on the pole is equal and opposite to the net vertical force? So -1500N?
Or should it be -1500N + mg of the pole/athlete since the mass of both together was given?

EDIT: I think my first idea is most likely correct if this is the right way to think about the problem since 1500N is the net vertical force

The wording is a little strange, but it says the 1500N is the vertical component of the force from the ground acting on the pole. I do not know why it emphasises or even mentions "net".
The question asks you to find the total force acting on the pole from the ground. That will not be equal and opposite to one of its own components.

 

[x2017]

The wording is a little strange, but it says the 1500N is the vertical component of the force from the ground acting on the pole. I do not know why it emphasises or even mentions "net".

1500N-mg?

 

[haruspex]

1500N-mg?

To what question is 1500N-mg an answer?

You are told the vertical force from the ground on the pole. It calls this the net vertical force from the ground on the pole, but net force implies it is the sum of several forces. In what way does the vertical force from the ground on the pole consist of several forces? So I am inclined to ignore the word net there.
Likewise in the horizontal direction.

If the vertical force from A on B is F_v and the horizontal force from A on B is F_h, what is the resultant force of A on B?

 

[x2017]

To what question is 1500N-mg an answer?

a)

what is the resultant force of A on B?

F_V + F_h?

So the force from the ground acting on the pole should be 1500N+700N = 2200N?

I am obviously very confused... I thought the ground could only apply force to the pole vertically...

 

[haruspex]

FV + Fh?

Yes, as vectors.

So the force from the ground acting on the pole should be 1500N+700N = 2200N?

How do you add vectors in different directions?

I thought the ground could only apply force to the pole vertically

If the ground could not apply a horizontal force to the pole then the end of the pole would slide under the bar. Not very convenient for the vaulter.

 

[x2017]

How do you add vectors in different directions?

Since one is horizontal and one is vertical am I supposed to use pythagorean theorem?

 

[haruspex]

Since one is horizontal and one is vertical am I supposed to use pythagorean theorem?

Yes.