Need help with Newtons laws. finding normal force.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the normal force in a physics problem involving Newton's laws. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a free body diagram (FBD) to visualize forces and apply trigonometry. The normal force is calculated using the formula F_N = mg cos(θ), and there are discussions about potential errors in calculations leading to different values. The correct answers for the normal force are derived through various methods, including considering equilibrium conditions and using sine and cosine functions. The conversation highlights the complexity of the problem and the necessity of careful analysis to arrive at the correct solution.
ThatStormy
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Homework Statement


It includes a diagram so i just took a screenshot of the question.

2i0viuh.jpg


I don't undertand how to do this problem
Thanks
 
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What does the normal force equal?

EDIT: you should probably draw a free body diagram to start also.
 
you can compute the normal force knowing two things: trigonometry and the laws of natural states of motion.
 
Rayquesto said:
you can compute the normal force knowing two things: trigonometry and the laws of natural states of motion.

Yes i know but how?
 
F_{N}=mgcos(\theta) is what you would use. But really, just draw a FBD and figure out this yourself with the trig.
 
iRaid said:
F_{N}=mgcos(\theta) is what you would use.

Yeah i got 28.411 but it is wrong...
 
28.412?
 
It's hard to see how you can get the normal force vector, but you can see it if you draw vectors large enough and spend enough time until you finally see the solution. The natural states of motion are rest and uniform speed which makes the net force 0.
 
iRaid said:
28.412?

yeah its wrong.
 
  • #10
28N is probably the answer, if not then I don't know why it's marking it wrong and for the other 1 you just do F_{g}sin\theta
 
  • #11
the other one is the sintheta version because in static equalibrium the action is going to be equal to the reaction and in this case its the gravity in the x direction of the block. so, 0=Fpush-mgsin45.
 
  • #12
The correct answers were
56.824 N (I multiplyed 2 x 28.412 in a desperate attempt to guess)
40.180 N (4.1 x 9.8 and also 28.412^2 + 28.412^2 = 40.180^2)

I have no idea why or how these worked lmao
 
  • #13
N=mg(cosθ) +Fcosθ...(1)

Fsinθ=mgsinθ...(2)
i.e,F=mg=4.1 x 9.8=40.18
so,F=40.18

from (1),N=mgcosθ +mgcosθ [F=mg]
i.e,N=2mgcosθ=2 x 4.1 x 9.8 x cos 45°=56.83
so, N=56.83
 
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