Newton's Law and Friction (Ramp problem)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a block on an inclined plane, requiring a force of 21 N to maintain constant velocity. The incline angle is 21 degrees, and the applied force has an angle of 13 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction is 0.17. The incorrect calculation of the block's weight, initially estimated at 54.85 N, highlights the importance of correctly resolving forces and understanding the relationship between normal force, friction, and gravitational components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Knowledge of vector decomposition in physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of friction and normal force
  • Ability to analyze free-body diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of vector resolution in inclined planes
  • Study the calculations for normal force and friction in inclined scenarios
  • Learn about the effects of different angles on force components
  • Practice similar problems involving forces on inclined planes
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and inclined plane problems, as well as educators looking for examples of force analysis in real-world applications.

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Homework Statement


A block is placed on a incline plane. A 21 N force is required to push the block up the incline with constant velocity. What is the weight of the block? Answer in units of N

Homework Equations


The force pushing the block=21 N with an angle of 13 degrees. The ramp has an angle of 21 degrees. Coefficient of friction=0.17. Ramp goes up from left to right.
fs = uN, F = ma, acceleration is 0.

Angle of force = phi, Angle of ramp = theta

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt: (after drawing my free-body diagram)

F(y-component): N-mgcos(theta) = 0 --> N=mgcos(theta) --> Fsin(phi)-mgcos(theta) = 0
F(x-component): Fcos(phi)-mgsin(theta)-fs = 0 --> Fcos(phi)-mgsin(theta)-umgcos(theta) = 0

I multiplied the y-component with the negative u (or mu) to cancel out umgcos(theta)

Then: Fcos(phi)-uFsin(phi)-mgsin(theta) = 0, So I solved for mg and my answer was incorrect. What am I doing wrong? Any help appreciated, thanks.
 
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What did you find when the solving was done?
I notice phi is different from the 21 degrees. Is phi wrt horizontal? Does its y component contribute to the friction force ?
 
Well the problem indicated that the force pushing the block up the ramp had an angle of 13 degrees. So denoting that phi, I used Fsin(phi) and Fcos(phi) respectively.

My answer in the end was about 54.85 N. Which was incorrect. No idea what I am doing wrong.
 
I take it the free body diagram decomposes mg along the slope and perpendicular to it.
You want to do the same with the 21 N force. What is the angle wrt the plane ?
The component perpendicular to the plane is to be added to mg ##\cos\theta## to determine the normal force.
That times ##\mu## is the friction force, along the slope, downwards. To be added to mg ##\sin\theta##, also downwards. Call the sum Fdown
No acceleration (i.e. constant speed) along the slope means the 21 N component along the slope is equal and opposite to this Fdown
 
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