Mercedes-Benz on a hill (friction, normal force) Please help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a Mercedes-Benz 300SL parked on an inclined road, specifically addressing the calculation of the normal force and static frictional force acting on the vehicle. The context includes the application of trigonometric functions related to forces on an incline.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for weight and the normal force using trigonometric functions. There are inquiries about the accuracy of calculations, including the use of degrees versus radians in the calculator and the significance of significant figures.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen participants verifying each other's calculations and addressing potential errors in input. One participant resolved their confusion regarding the program's feedback, indicating a productive exchange of information and clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints related to the homework program's requirements, including the need for specific units and potential issues with significant figures, although these were not explicitly defined in the problem statement.

BATBLady
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A Mercedes-Benz 300SL (m = 1700 kg) is parked on a road that rises 20° above the horizontal.
(a) What is the magnitude of the normal force?
(b) What is the static frictional force that the ground exerts on the tires?


Homework Equations


FN=Wcos(theta)
Wsin(theta)=Framp
(at least that's what was given in lecutre)

The Attempt at a Solution


To find the weight using 1700kg*9.8, but when I plug that in, the computer program (gotta love these for homework assignments...) says no. I'm lost as to how to proceed.
Help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Your method seems to be correct so I would recommend posting the numerical value your calculation gave you so we can compare. When taking the cos/sin did you have your calculator on degrees or on radians? What is the amount of significant figures asked etc etc.
 
I've got my calculator on degrees. The program didn't define any sig figs (it usually takes whatever is put in), and the units are given. Trying to find Newtons for both.

1700*9.8=16660=W

FN= 16660cos(20)=15655.27

Framp=16660sin(20)=5698.05
 
Nevermind about the silly program...it was my fingers missing numbers on my calc. The numbers that I gave in the reply were the right ones. Thank you so much though!
 

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