Need help on some mechanics questions from a text book

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around mechanics questions from a textbook, specifically focusing on forces acting on objects on slopes and the interpretation of problem statements. Participants express confusion over the clarity of the textbook explanations and seek assistance in understanding the fundamental concepts involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the identification of forces acting on objects, specifically the support force from a slope. There is mention of the need for better diagrams and clarity in the representation of forces. Questions are raised about the basic nature of the problems and the accuracy of calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants are actively engaging with specific questions, attempting to clarify their understanding and share insights. There is a recognition of the need for clearer communication and representation of forces, with some guidance provided on avoiding rounding errors in calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problems are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the preference for addressing one question at a time to avoid confusion, and there is an acknowledgment of the limitations in the textbook's explanations. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and the challenges posed by the textbook's presentation.

TheePhysicsStudent
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Homework Statement
I know HOW to get the answer as i underwent trial and error, but I don't actually understand the process of why we do what we do:
Relevant Equations
Friction = mgsin θ
1704369639910.png
These are the questions I am failing to comprehend despite their very basic nature
1704369777778.png
This is the wonderful support from the book explaining how to get the answer ! (It just gives you the answer no working out which is annoying)
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I
 
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I would like to start with 2 B II, the support force from the slope on the object
 
TheePhysicsStudent said:
I would like to start with 2 B II, the support force from the slope on the object
Sorry i looked at the wrong question, I meant Question 4 sorry for any inconvenience I caused you
 
TheePhysicsStudent said:
Sorry i looked at the wrong question, I meant Question 4 sorry for any inconvenience I caused you
No need to apologize: we help voluntarily :smile:

In the mean time I have looked at the first one (2a) and I do have comments on that one:

1704371363550.png

You are asked to show the three forces on the object. I see four arrows; two are correct and one is missing

1704371261000.png
Agree ?

You are also asked for the support force from the slope acting on the object. Any suggestions ?

- - - - -

Re Question 4 (PF prefers one item per thread to facilitate referencing and avoid confusion, but never mind...)

1704372101762.png
What you appear to do looks OK to me, but you are just like the book: you don't tell. What's the very basic nature under this one ?

Equilibrium ##\Leftrightarrow## sum of forces is zero

A better drawing is in order: in your picture the tensions don't act on the object

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And somehow I get 6.96, i.e. 7.0 N, not 6.8

(golden rule: don't round off intermediate results).

The picture I had in mind:

1704374006160.png
General idea clear now ? Basic nature :wink: ?
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BvU said:
(golden rule: don't round off intermediate results).
Platinum rule: Don't find intermediate angles if you are looking for trig functions.

FBD_Hanging_mass.png

Here, $$\sin\theta=\frac{0.80}{\sqrt{0.12^2+0.80^2}}~;~~\cos\theta=\frac{0.12}{\sqrt{0.12^2+0.80^2}}~;~~\tan\theta=\frac{0.80}{0.12}.$$ :wink:
 
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Ancient dutch expression: there's always boss above boss

Ancient greek expression: turtles all the way down

##\ ##
 
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WOW! I can't thank you enough, especially for question 4 as I realise that whilst I was sort of there I made it so much weirder than it had to be, Many thanks to you guys
 
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