Simple vector train problem drawing

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the free-body diagram of a ball hanging from a string in a train car moving at a constant velocity. The user initially drew two vectors that are equal in length and opposite in direction, representing the forces acting on the ball. However, the solution was deemed incorrect due to the omission of additional forces, specifically the friction force between the train and the tracks. The correct representation should include the gravitational force (mg) and the friction force (Ftrain = μFg) to accurately depict the system in equilibrium.

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kirby27
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A ball is hanging from a long string that is tied to the ceiling of a train car traveling eastward on horizontal tracks. An observer inside the train car sees the ball hang motionless.

Draw a clearly labeled free-body diagram for the ball if the train has a uniform velocity.


i drew two vectors, but it says i got it wrong. both of my vectors are equal in lenth and are 180 degrees apart.

here's my answer image: http://i53.tinypic.com/21et2za.jpg
 
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Maybe my intro mechanics are a bit rusty, but I can't see why that would be incorrect. If the system is in equilibrium (Fnet = 0) that means that the train is moving at a constant velocity (i.e., anet = 0). Perhaps since there is a friction force between the tracks and the train, and (by virtue of Fnet being 0) the train exerts a forward force to offset it, they want you to add vectors Ftrain = [itex]\mu[/itex]Fgi and Fk = [itex]\mu[/itex]Fg(-i)

where i is the unit vector in the direction of the train's velocity vector.

That's the best I can come up with.
 
Looks good, maybe they want 'mg' instead of 'w' for the weight vector?? I don't know why it doesn't accept it, though.
 

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