Solving Mechanics: Friction of Sledge on Slope

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Shah 72
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction Mechanics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total distance a sledge moves down a slope when dragged by a force and then allowed to slide freely. The problem involves mechanics concepts such as friction, forces acting on the sledge, and kinematic equations. Participants explore the calculations involved before and after the rope is detached.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents initial calculations for the distance moved while the sledge is being dragged, including forces and acceleration.
  • Another participant suggests a different approach to calculating acceleration during the drag, leading to a different value for distance.
  • Several participants express confusion over the calculations and the application of forces, particularly the normal force and friction.
  • Some participants provide detailed calculations for both the dragging phase and the phase after the rope is detached, arriving at a total distance of 18.5m.
  • There is a request for clarification on the necessity of considering the normal contact force in the calculations.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the coefficient of friction and expresses gratitude for the explanations provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct approach to the calculations, as participants present differing methods and results. Some calculations lead to agreement on the total distance of 18.5m, while others express uncertainty and confusion regarding the steps taken.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their calculations, such as potential errors in determining acceleration and the role of friction. There is also mention of unresolved assumptions regarding the forces acting on the sledge.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in mechanics, particularly those studying forces, motion on inclines, and the effects of friction in practical scenarios.

Shah 72
MHB
Messages
274
Reaction score
0
A boy drags a sledge of mass 4kg from rest down a rough slope at an angle of 18 degree to the horizontal. He pulls it with a force of 8N for 3s by a rope that is angled at 10 degree above the parallel down the slope. After 3s the rope becomes detached from the sledge. The coefficient of friction between the slope and the sledge is 0.4. Find the total distance the sledge has moved down the slope from when the boy started dragging it until it comes to rest.
For the first part before the rope is detached
I calculated
R=40cos 18+8sin 10
Coefficient of friction =0.514
F=m×a
So I got a = 0.003m/s^2.
I then calculated s= ut +1/2 at^2 and got s1 =0.0135m.
I calculated v=0.009m/s
Part 2 when the rope is detached
R=40cos 18
By using F=m×a
I got a=0.714m/s^2.
Iam not getting the right ans for the total distance.
The ans in the textbook is 18.5m.
Pls help
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
during the drag ...

$ma = mg\sin(18) + 8\cos(10) - \mu[mg\cos(18) - 8\sin(10)]$

try again
 
I did your way and got a= 0.35m/s^2, v=1.05m/s and s=1.575m
Now the second part when the rope is detached
R=40cos18, F=40sin18 -0.4×40cos18, F=2.84N, using F=m×a, I get a=0.71m/s^2, and s2=0.776m. I still don't get the ans 18.5m
 
recheck your acceleration calculation during the drag …

D90B437C-D771-43CE-A3C4-230F944E72E3.jpeg
 
skeeter said:
recheck your acceleration calculation during the drag …

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/11134
I did not understand in the second part when the rope is detached, how is it 10 sin 18 + 2 cos 10. Shouldn't it be R = 40 cos 18 and F= 40sin 18- 0.4(40cos 18)
 
during the drag …

$a_1 = 10\sin(18) + 2\cos(10) - 0.4[10\cos(18) - 2\sin(10)] = 1.39 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_1 = \dfrac{1}{2}a_1 \cdot 3^2 = 6.28 \, m$

$v_1 = 0 + a_1 \cdot 3 = 4.18 \, m/s$after the rope is detached …

$a_2 = 10\sin(18) - 4\cos(18) = -0.714 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_2 = \dfrac{0^2- v_1^2}{2a_2} = 12.25 \, m$

total displacement = 6.28 + 12.25 = 18.5 m
 
skeeter said:
during the drag …

$a_1 = 10\sin(18) + 2\cos(10) - 0.4[10\cos(18) - 2\sin(10)] = 1.39 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_1 = \dfrac{1}{2}a_1 \cdot 3^2 = 6.28 \, m$

$v_1 = 0 + a_1 \cdot 3 = 4.18 \, m/s$after the rope is detached …

$a_2 = 10\sin(18) - 4\cos(18) = -0.714 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_2 = \dfrac{0^2- v_1^2}{2a_2} = 12.25 \, m$

total displacement = 6.28 + 12.25 = 18.5 m
Thank you very much!
 
skeeter said:
during the drag …

$a_1 = 10\sin(18) + 2\cos(10) - 0.4[10\cos(18) - 2\sin(10)] = 1.39 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_1 = \dfrac{1}{2}a_1 \cdot 3^2 = 6.28 \, m$

$v_1 = 0 + a_1 \cdot 3 = 4.18 \, m/s$after the rope is detached …

$a_2 = 10\sin(18) - 4\cos(18) = -0.714 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_2 = \dfrac{0^2- v_1^2}{2a_2} = 12.25 \, m$

total displacement = 6.28 + 12.25 = 18.5 m
Can you also pls explain why I don't need to take the normal contact force and the force between the slope and the sledge?
20210510_100241.jpg
 
The Normal Reaction force, $N$, is perpendicular to the incline. Reference the two FBD's attached ...

during the drag by the 8N applied force,

$N_1 = mg\cos{\theta} - F\sin{\phi} \implies f_1 = \mu(mg\cos{\theta} - F\sin{\phi})$

after the dragging force is gone,

$N_2 = mg\cos{\theta} \implies f_2 = \mu mg\cos{\theta}$

incline_FBDx2.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
skeeter said:
during the drag …

$a_1 = 10\sin(18) + 2\cos(10) - 0.4[10\cos(18) - 2\sin(10)] = 1.39 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_1 = \dfrac{1}{2}a_1 \cdot 3^2 = 6.28 \, m$

$v_1 = 0 + a_1 \cdot 3 = 4.18 \, m/s$after the rope is detached …

$a_2 = 10\sin(18) - 4\cos(18) = -0.714 \, m/s^2$

$\Delta x_2 = \dfrac{0^2- v_1^2}{2a_2} = 12.25 \, m$

total displacement = 6.28 + 12.25 = 18.5 m
I understood. Thank you so so so much!
skeeter said:
The Normal Reaction force, $N$, is perpendicular to the incline. Reference the two FBD's attached ...

during the drag by the 8N applied force,

$N_1 = mg\cos{\theta} - F\sin{\phi} \implies f_1 = \mu(mg\cos{\theta} - F\sin{\phi})$

after the dragging force is gone,

$N_2 = mg\cos{\theta} \implies f_2 = \mu mg\cos{\theta}$

View attachment 11136
View attachment 11136
I understood this. I was doing the silly mistake of finding a new coefficient of friction. Thank you so so much for explaining!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K