Minimum Force for Sliding Up Ramp | Ramp Problem Homework Help

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SUMMARY

The minimum horizontal force required to slide a 4.0 kg block up a ramp inclined at 37 degrees with a coefficient of static friction of 0.23 is calculated using the equations of motion. The normal force (N) is determined to be 59.4 N, leading to a minimum force (F) of 46.6 N. The initial calculations incorrectly estimated N as 31.3 N, resulting in an incorrect force calculation of 38.6 N. The correct approach involves accounting for both the x-component and y-component of the applied force.

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  • Ability to resolve forces into components
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  • Learn how to resolve forces into x and y components in physics problems
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Homework Statement


What is the minimum horizontal force that must be applied to the stationary 4.0kg block so that the block will start to slide up the ramp? the ramp is inclined at a 37degrees angle and the coefficient of static friction between the block and the ramp is 0.23.

Homework Equations


Ff = μN
---

The Attempt at a Solution


y-direction
0 = N - mgcosθ
N = mgcosθ
N = 4(9.8)cos37 = 31.3
------
x-direction
0 = Fcos(θ) - Ff − mgsinθ
F = (mgsinθ + Ff)/cos(θ)
F = [39.2sin(37) + (.23(39.2)(cos37)]/cos37
F = 38.6
==================================================
I have the wrong answer because the correct answer is
N = 59.4N, F = 46.6
Also, i think the way i use to solve F is right but i believe my N is wrong because when i plug in the N of the correct answer i get the same F as the result. Hope you can help me solve this problem thanks a lot
 
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Hi Toila,

Toila said:

Homework Statement


What is the minimum horizontal force that must be applied to the stationary 4.0kg block so that the block will start to slide up the ramp? the ramp is inclined at a 37degrees angle and the coefficient of static friction between the block and the ramp is 0.23.

Homework Equations


Ff = μN
---

The Attempt at a Solution


y-direction
0 = N - mgcosθ
N = mgcosθ
N = 4(9.8)cos37 = 31.3
------
x-direction
0 = Fcos(θ) - Ff − mgsinθ

Notice here that you have the x-component of the applied force. But you have not taken into account the y-component of the applied force anywhere.

F = (mgsinθ + Ff)/cos(θ)
F = [39.2sin(37) + (.23(39.2)(cos37)]/cos37
F = 38.6
==================================================
I have the wrong answer because the correct answer is
N = 59.4N, F = 46.6
Also, i think the way i use to solve F is right but i believe my N is wrong because when i plug in the N of the correct answer i get the same F as the result. Hope you can help me solve this problem thanks a lot
 

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