Net Force on Wagon: Solving for Unknowns

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SUMMARY

The net force acting on a wagon being pulled with a force of 104N at an angle of 35 degrees above the horizontal, while experiencing a frictional force of 78N, can be calculated by resolving the applied force into its components. The horizontal component of the applied force is determined using Fnetx = Fapplied(cos35) - Ffriction. The vertical forces are balanced, leading to Fnety = Fapplied(sin35) + Fnormal - Fgravity = 0. The solution focuses solely on the net force, without the need to calculate mass or the coefficient of friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of free-body diagrams
  • Knowledge of vector resolution in physics
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law (F = m*a)
  • Basic trigonometry (sine and cosine functions)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the applied force using trigonometric functions.
  • Explore the concept of net force and its application in different physical scenarios.
  • Review examples of free-body diagrams to reinforce understanding of force interactions.
  • Learn about frictional forces and their impact on motion in physics.
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and force analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of net force calculations in practical applications.

jono240
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So simple, what am I missing??

Homework Statement


A wagon is being pulled with a force of 104N so that the handle makes an angle of 35 degrees above the horizontal. The force of friction between the wheels of the wagon and the ground is 78N. What is the net force acting on the wagon?


Homework Equations


F=m*a


The Attempt at a Solution


Alright I've made my free-body diagram and I know you're supposed to break it into components. So I have

Fnetx = Fapplied(cos35) - Ffriction = m*a

Fnety = Fapplied(sin35) + Fnormal - Fgravity = m*a = 0

I've been trying to rearrange it to find at least one unknown but I can't figure out how to find any of them. I've been trying to rearrange them to find mass, Fnormal, μ but I can't seem to get it. What am I missing?

thanks guys
 
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Since the problem is only asking for the net force acting on the wagon, you won't need to find the mass or μ or anything other than the forces. Presumably you simply need to resolve the force vectors into a single resultant.
 

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