Physics G.11 Question on Forces/Newton's Laws and Friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two physics problems related to forces, Newton's Laws, and friction, specifically in the context of a bobsled race and moving a crate across a surface. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the application of concepts and equations necessary to solve these problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest drawing free-body diagrams to identify forces acting on the sled and crate. There are inquiries about the calculations for normal force and frictional force, as well as the need to analyze forces in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on identifying forces and applying Newton's laws. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to the problems, with no explicit consensus reached yet. The original poster has shared their attempts at calculations, indicating areas of confusion that are being addressed by others.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the distinction between vertical and horizontal forces, as well as the implications of the angle in the applied force on the crate. The original poster is working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration.

Michael Li
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Hi, i am very confused on how your supposed to do these two quesitons. I am currently taking a intensified g11 course during the summer, and i think the teacher is going to fast, and I am not sure how I am supposed to do this. Please help explain each question out thoroughly, also it would be best if you could help me with what equations i should use.

1. In the horizontal starting area of a four person boblsed race, the four athletes, with a combined mass including outfits of 295kg, exert a minimum horizontal force of 41 N [fwd] to get the 315kg sled to be gin moving. After the sled has traveled for almost 15m, all four people jump into the sled, and the sled then experiences a kinetic friction of magnitude 66N. Determine the coefficient of :
(a) static friction
(b) kinetic friction

2. To move a 45kg wooden crate across a wooden floor (μ = 0.2), you tie a rope onto the crate and pull on the rope. While you are pulling the rope with a force of 115N, it makes an angle of 15 degrees with the horizontal. How much time elapses between the time at which the crate just starts to move and the time at which you are pulling it with a velocity of 1.4 m/s.
I know this may be a lot of trouble for you, so thank you for taking your time to help me!
Thanks!
Michael
 
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Hello Michael! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:

(start with Question 2 … what acceleration do you get?)
 
1. For part (a), you must draw a free-body diagram of the bobsled. What are all the forces on the sled, and in what directions do they point? For part (b), you must now do a free-body diagram on the full bobsled. What are the forces on the sled? In what direction do they point?

2. I'm simply going to repeat my suggestions for # 1. In fact, the most important thing I can do for you right now is to point you to the Problem-Solving Strategy, which you can download on http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f22/problem-solving-strategy-28/. I would recommend the mechanics-tailored version for the problems you're doing.
 
tiny-tim said:
Hello Michael! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:

(start with Question 2 … what acceleration do you get?)

Thanks Tim
So following standard procedures.

2. Homework Equations
Fn= Fg - FappSinTheta
Fn=mg - FappSinTheta
Ff = Fnμ

3. The Attempt at a Solution
Fn=Fg - FappSinTheta
=(45kg)(9.8) - 115sin15
=411N
Ff = Fnμ = 411(0.2) = 82.2N

Im not sure if i did this correctly, i am quite confused about what to do.
 
Michael Li said:
Thanks Tim
So following standard procedures.

2. Homework Equations
Fn= Fg - FappSinTheta
Fn=mg - FappSinTheta
Ff = Fnμ

3. The Attempt at a Solution
Fn=Fg - FappSinTheta
=(45kg)(9.8) - 115sin15
=411N
Ff = Fnμ = 411(0.2) = 82.2N

Im not sure if i did this correctly, i am quite confused about what to do.

You need to write down all the forces in the x direction. What you've written down is Newton's Second Law in the y direction. But there is no motion in that direction, since 115\sin(15^{\circ})<45. You must sum the forces in the x direction, and set that equal to the mass times the acceleration in the x direction.
 
(just got up :zzz:)
Michael Li said:
Thanks Tim
So following standard procedures.

2. Homework Equations
Fn= Fg - FappSinTheta
Fn=mg - FappSinTheta
Ff = Fnμ

3. The Attempt at a Solution
Fn=Fg - FappSinTheta
=(45kg)(9.8) - 115sin15
=411N

correct …

the vertical acceleration is zero, so the vertical components of all the forces add to zero, enabling you to find the normal force Fn :smile:
Ff = Fnμ = 411(0.2) = 82.2N

correct …

now use the horizontal components of all the forces in good ol' Newton's second law (Ftotal = ma), to find the acceleration :wink:
 

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