Solving the Puzzle to Find a GeoCache: Can You Help?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem related to static friction and inclined planes, specifically in the context of finding a geo cache. Participants explore the mechanics involved, including the coefficient of friction, forces acting on an object on an incline, and the calculations needed to determine the angle of the incline and the weight of the object.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario involving a Happy Buddha resting on an incline, with specific values for the coefficient of static friction and the friction force.
  • Another participant questions whether providing a direct answer would be considered cheating.
  • A participant expresses frustration at not knowing where to begin and insists that their inquiry is not related to homework, as they have been out of school for many years.
  • One suggestion is to start with a free body diagram (FBD) to visualize the forces acting on the Buddha.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the FBD and suggests that without it, further assistance may not be effective.
  • There is a repeated request for an equation to work with, but responses indicate that there is no single equation and that a step-by-step approach is necessary.
  • Participants reference forum rules regarding assistance with homework and the expectation that questioners show some effort before receiving help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to proceed with the problem. There is disagreement on the appropriateness of providing direct answers, and some participants feel that the questioner needs to demonstrate more effort before receiving assistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may not fit the traditional homework category, but forum rules still apply regarding the level of assistance provided. The discussion highlights the need for a foundational understanding of the concepts involved, such as free body diagrams and the forces at play.

rbradw
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I'm an avid Geo Cacher (for more info on it visit www.geocaching.com) and I'm trying to solve a problem to find a geo cache. Can anyone help me with it?

A Happy Buddha stops to take a rest while ascending an incline.
As he rests on the incline, the coefficient of static friction (mu) is .70021, which is very near the actual coefficient of friction for rubber shoes on rough wood. The friction force holding him in place is 624 Newton’s. He is just on the verge of slipping down the incline. In fact, if the angle of the incline were just slightly higher, or if the coefficient of friction were slightly less, he would begin to slip. The angle of this incline is AB degrees. The Buddha's weight is XYZ kilograms.
AB =
XYZ =
Thanks
 
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Would it not be cheating if we were to give you the answer?
 
If I knew where to begin I would not be asking for help here. I don't consider this cheating as I know nothing about how to solve this or where to even begin. I have searched the web trying to find an equation to solve it and I have come up empty.
 
Start with a freebody diagram of the problem.
 
Your speaking a Greek to me on that one.
 
If you can't do the freebody diagram, there's really no point in us going further with the 'help'. We'd have to give you the answer.

The steps would be to draw a FBD showing all forces, once you've got that you can resolve for the angle AB and the weight XYZ.

Sorry to be blunt but we're not supposed to give answers to homework/textbook questions.
 
Give me an equation that I can work with.
And this isn't a homework/textbook question as I've been out of school for 30+ years and all my kids are grown and out of the house.
 
rbradw said:
Give me an equation that I can work with.

There isn't "an equation". You have to follow the steps above.
And this isn't a homework/textbook question as I've been out of school for 30+ years and all my kids are grown and out of the house.

The rules of PF (emphasis mine):
Homework Help:
On posting questions: Any and all high school and undergraduate homework assignments or textbook style exercises for which you are seeking assistance are to be posted in the appropriate forum in our Homework & Coursework Questions area--not in blogs, visitor messages, PMs, or the main technical forums. This should be done whether the problem is part of one's assigned coursework or just independent study.

NOTE: You MUST show that you have attempted to answer your question in order to receive help. You MUST make use of the homework template, which automatically appears when a new topic is created in the homework help forums. Once your question or problem has been responded to, do not go back and delete (or edit) your original post.

On helping with questions: Any and all assistance given to homework assignments or textbook style exercises should be given only after the questioner has shown some effort in solving the problem. If no attempt is made then the questioner should be asked to provide one before any assistance is given. Under no circumstances should complete solutions be provided to a questioner, whether or not an attempt has been made.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380

Technically I'm violating the rules by trying to give assistance first.

Start with a freebody diagram: http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2004.web.dir/Jeff_Levison/Freebody diagram.htm
 

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