Pulling mass on flat plane at an angle.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block of mass being pulled on a rough horizontal surface by a force applied at an angle. The task includes deriving equations for the normal force and the coefficient of friction, as well as sketching graphs of speed and displacement over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the components of forces acting on the block, particularly the normal force and friction. There is uncertainty about the correct formulation of equations and the relationship between acceleration, speed, and displacement. Some participants question the multiplication of forces in the context of dynamics.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the equations for normal force and friction. Some participants suggest that the original poster's approach may be on the right track, while others express confusion about graphing the relationships without numerical values. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may involve assumptions about the applied force and its effects on the block's contact with the surface. There is mention of a potential additional question regarding the maximum acceleration before losing contact, which adds complexity to the discussion.

TexasCow
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Homework Statement


A block of mass m is pulled along a rough horizontal surface by a constant applied force of magnitude F that acts at an angle theta to the horizontal. The acceleration is a. Express all algebraic answers in terms of m, F, theta, and a.
A. Derive an equation for the normal force
B. Derive an expression for the coefficient of friction between the block and surface.
Sketch the graphs of speed v and displacement x as the functions of time if the block started at rest at x=0 and t=0


Homework Equations


Fy=(Applied force)(Sin(theta))
Fx=(Applied force)(Cos(theta))
Fnet=(mu)(Normal force)


The Attempt at a Solution



Well for part A, I figure that since it was being pulled at an angle that would provide for a lower normal force.

Normal Force=(Fg-Fy) *Fy is the y component of the force vector.
For the coefficient of friction, I don't know if I am supposed to derive an equation that soves for mu, or just the equation that factors in mu.

Here is what I have for part B:
Ff=u[Fg-Fy]

And for the graphs I am kind of lost. Thanks for any help!
 
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=(Fg-Fy) *Fy is

Why you multiplied it by Fy?
It's kind of very rare(in dynamics) to multiply forces . . .

Ff=u[Fg-Fy]
here u is the coefficient of friction so, you do have it factored out.

Add all the horizontal forces(or analyze them), you will find an equivalent for Ff as net 'a' is provided.

For graphing, either use work-energy relationship or
simply use kinematicss,
you know 'a', and it is constant
 
the *Fy was sort of a side info comment. It isn't part of the equation. Are you saying that my friction equation is correct? I'm sorry but I'm still somewhat confused on the graphs as well.
 
as Ff = uFn
and so you know Fn is W-Fy
so yea, it is correct.

so acc. = a
and so how its related to x,v,t?
You don't need forces or dynamics for this question.

Ignore that Work-energy, I thought they are asking for v,x relationship

But, You cannot draw graph, as you are not given any numerical value.
 
Well...
A=v/t

This is an old AP question that asks for a graph. I would agree too but there is some type of solution out there.

Another question that is on the back that I didn't notice was:

-If the applied force is large enough, the block will lose contact with the surface. Derive an expression for the magnitude of the greatest acceleration Amax that the bllock can have and still maintain contact with the ground.
 
So, Fy = Fg

and F = Fy.sintheta


you may draw an approximation graph, like if it's linear draw a straight line...
 

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