Newton's Law and Friction (Ramp problem)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block placed on an inclined plane, requiring a force of 21 N to push it up the incline at a constant velocity. The angles of the incline and the applied force are given, along with the coefficient of friction. Participants are exploring the relationships between these forces and the weight of the block.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the decomposition of forces acting on the block, including the applied force and gravitational components. Questions arise regarding the angles involved and their contributions to the friction force. There is an exploration of the free-body diagram and the relationships between the forces.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to clarify the angles and components of the forces involved, while others are questioning the calculations and assumptions made in the initial attempts. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to relate the forces without reaching a consensus on the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in angle definitions and the implications for the normal force and friction. The problem constraints include the requirement for constant velocity and the specific values provided for forces and angles.

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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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