Solve Tension Problem: A Sledge w/ Bricks & Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

[mrrocketknigh]

Here's the problem: A sledge loaded with bricks has a total mass of 18.0 kg and is pulled at constant speed by a rope inclined at 20.0(degrees) above the horizontal. The sledge moves a distance of 20.0m on a horizontal suface. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the sledge and surface is 0.500. (a) What is the tension of the rope?


I don't know how to even start this problem, or how to find out what the tension is. Can anybody help me?

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi mrrocketknigh! welcome to pf!

if the speed is constant, then the acceleration is zero, so F_total = ma tells us that F_total = 0

so draw all the forces on the sledge, and get them to add to zero …

what do you get? ​

 

[mrrocketknigh]

What do you mean by "draw all the forces on the sledge and get them to add to zero"? I'm lost.

 

[mrrocketknigh]

Wait... is it 0? I tried doing it myself this whole time, but to no avial...

 

[tiny-tim]

What do you mean by "draw all the forces on the sledge and get them to add to zero"? I'm lost.

draw a diagram of the sledge, then draw all the forces on it …

what are they?​