Calculating Normal Force from Slide on 23 kg Child

[kdb004]

Homework Statement

A 23 kg child goes down a straight slide inclined 38 degrees above horizontal. The child is acted on by his weight, the normal force from the slide, and kinetic friction.

How large is the normal force of the slide on the child?
_?_ Newtons

 

[fss]

Where's the work you've done already? Read the rules.

 

[kdb004]

Where's the work you've done already? Read the rules.

i don't have anywork for this, i don't know where to start with it. i was hoping someone would show me how to do the work on here

 

[lvslugger36]

Start with the free body diagram. Label your normal force and see if you can equate it to something. If you're stuck, let us know.

 

[rwisz]

I would approach this problem by first understanding the concept of normal force. Normal force is the force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it, perpendicular to the surface. In this case, the slide is the surface and the child is the object in contact with it.

To calculate the normal force, we can use the formula F(normal) = mgcosθ, where m is the mass of the child, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and θ is the angle of inclination of the slide (38 degrees).

Substituting the given values, we get F(normal) = (23 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)cos(38 degrees) = 176.8 N.

Therefore, the normal force of the slide on the child is 176.8 Newtons. This means that the slide is exerting a force of 176.8 Newtons on the child perpendicular to its surface, to keep the child from falling through the slide.

It is also important to note that the normal force is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the weight of the child, as the child is in equilibrium. This means that the normal force and weight are balanced, and the child will not accelerate in the horizontal direction while sliding down the slide.

In conclusion, understanding the concept of normal force and using the appropriate formula can help us calculate the normal force of the slide on the 23 kg child.