Calculating Forces in a Pulling System: Fp, Wp, Wm

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pulling force (Fp) in a system involving gravity (Fg) and friction (Ff) on an incline. The correct formula for Fp is established as Fp = Fg + Ff, with specific calculations yielding Fp = 147.30 N. The normal force (N) is crucial for determining the friction force, which is given as Ff = 0.2N. Participants emphasize the importance of decomposing the weight of the block into components parallel and perpendicular to the incline to accurately calculate N.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Familiarity with forces acting on inclined planes
  • Basic principles of friction and normal force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the decomposition of forces on inclined planes
  • Learn about calculating normal force in inclined systems
  • Explore friction coefficients and their applications in physics
  • Investigate the use of trigonometric functions in force calculations
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers, and anyone involved in mechanics or force analysis in pulling systems.

Thea Woods
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Homework Statement
A physics student pulls a block of mass m = 21 kg up an incline at a slow constant velocity for a distance of d = 4.5 m. The incline makes an angle Δ = 31° with the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the inclined plane is µk = 0.2. What is the work Wm done by the student?
Wm =
Relevant Equations
W = F*d
K = 1/2 mv^2
U = mgy
E = U + K
Fp = Fg +Ff
Fp = (21*9.81*sin(31)) + (0.2*21*9.81)
Fp = 147.30
Fp*d = 147.3 *4.5
Wp = Wm = 662.87 = 663 J

I am not sure what I am doing wrong. Should I subtract the force of friction from the force of gravity? Have I assumed that the pulling force is equal to the sum of gravity and friction when I shouldn't have? Should I use cos instead of sin?
 
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The friction force ##F_f## is equal to ##0.2N## where ##N## is the normal force from the incline to the block. What is the correct value of ##N##?? It is not 21*9.81 , because that's the full weight of the block...
Hint: Decompose weight of the block, into a component parallel to the incline and a component perpendicular to the incline. How does the normal force relate to the component perpendicular to the incline?
 
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