Solving the Physics of a Curling Stalemate

[Soulsteppa90]

Homework Statement

Two curling contestants dispute possession of a stone of mass 20.6 kg. The mass of contestant A is 58.9 kg, whereas that of contestant B is 101.7 kg. Contestant A pulls on the stone with a horizontal force of 15.1 N, but is unable to break contestant B’s grip. The result is a stalemate (the stone does not accelerate).

a) Neglecting (for now) frictional forces between the stone and the ice, what is the horizontal force that contestant B exerts on the stone? [Note: Indicate a pull (a force in contestant B’s direction) by a positive sign and a push (a force in contestant A’s direction) by a negative sign.]

b) What is the minimum coefficient of static friction required between the contestants and the ice (assume that it is the same for both contestants)?

Homework Equations

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

I do not even know where to start

 

[Delphi51]

Diagram!
Show the forces acting on the curling rock.
Note that it does not accelerate.

 

[Soulsteppa90]

I'm still a little confused on how to solve this. Can you please elaborate on how to solve this problem.

 

[Delphi51]

<--- rock ---->
The size of the forces was given - put them on the diagram.
Write that the sum of the forces equals ma

 

[elcaptain]

worst.help.ever.

 

[Redbelly98]

worst.help.ever.

And, appropriately so. Other than writing "F=ma" the OP has not demonstrated any real effort, as is required to receive help here.

 

[Newton=boss]

I have the same question, and the relevant equations for the section are Energy equations and possibly momentum equations.

K=.5mv^2=Fd

m1v1=m2v2

however, like the OP, as the stone is at rest and has zero net acceleration/ force I do not know which equation to even use. If anyone caould point us in the right direction, I would be quite appreciative as well

 

[Newton=boss]

oh and F frictional=mu*Normal Force

 

[Redbelly98]

Start with part (a), and list all the forces that are acting on the stone. As you noted, the net force on the stone must be zero.

 

[Newton=boss]

Its deceptively simple!