Shopping Carts, Finding Horizontal Force

AI Thread Summary
To determine the horizontal force required to push a shopping cart up a 13° incline with an acceleration of 1.51 m/s², the net force is calculated using F = ma, resulting in 9.211 N. The correct approach involves using the equation Fx = Fcos(13°) instead of Fsin(13°) to find the horizontal component of the force. Adjusting the calculations with the proper orientation of the axes simplifies the problem, leading to the formula F = [m(a + g sin(13°))] / cos(13°). This method accounts for both the gravitational force and the normal force acting on the cart. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly setting up the coordinate system for accurate calculations.
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Correct? Please let me know if my logic is off.

Given Problem
A shopper pushes a 6.1 kg shopping cart up a 13° incline, as shown in the figure. Find the magnitude of the horizontal force, F, needed to give the cart an acceleration of 1.51 m/s2.
Shopping Cart Question.gif


Relevant equations
F = ma
Fy = F1cos13°
Fx = F1sin13°
Shopping Cart.jpg


Attempted Solution
Given acceleration as 1.51m/s2, I found the net force (?)

F = ma
F = (6.1kg) * (1.51m/s2)
F = 9.211 N

Since the problem is asking for the horizontal force, I would only be focusing on the F1,x direction. With this i would use the F`,x = F1sin13° formula (?)

Use this force found earlier with Newton's Second Law to find the force in the horizontal direction.

F1,x = F1sin13°
F1 = F1,x / sin13°
F1 = 9.211N / sin13°
F1 = 40.9467 N

ADJUSTMENT 1:
Calculated with Fx = Fcos13° instead of Fsin13°
F1 = (9.121 N) / (cos13°)
F1 = 9.35989N
Answer is still incorrect. The website tells me:
"Your response differs from the correct answer by more than 10%. Double check your calculations"
 
Last edited:
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Fx = Fcos(13) not Fsin(13)
 
This problem is easier if you rotate your axis 13 degrees. So draw the x-axis to be parallel with the acceleration. With your current axis ... Fx = F
and don't forget your normal force and force due to gravity.Now, if you redraw your axis along the direction of acceleration
Fx = Fcos(13) -mg sin(13) = ma

So now the answer is trivial algebra
F = [m(a+g sin(13))] / cos(13)
 
Last edited:
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