The force of friction moving up a slope

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a grocery cart being pushed up a slope with a specified force and angle, requiring the calculation of the force of friction based on the coefficient provided. The context includes the mass of the groceries and the forces acting on the cart.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the components of the applied force and the total downward force, questioning how to correctly apply the coefficient of friction. Some express confusion regarding the calculations and the assumptions needed for the mass of the cart and groceries.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the breakdown of forces, while others have expressed their struggles with the problem. A participant mentioned successfully resolving their confusion through diagramming, indicating some progress in understanding the problem's dynamics.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the mass of the cart in relation to the groceries, with participants suggesting to assume the given mass. The original poster has noted difficulties with the teacher's explanations and the textbook answer, which may not align with their calculations.

tyler24_11
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A grocery cart is being pushed with a force of 450 N at an angle of 30.0 degrees to the horizontal. If the mass of the groceries is 42 Kg,
(a) Calaculate the force of friction if the coefficient is 0.60.

Alright guys I have been doing this problem for around two hours. My physics teacher isn't a good teacher and I have no idea how to get the right answer(located in the back of book).Ive tried all I can think of,
Ff= (0.60)(450n)
= 270n

450 COS 30
= 389.7 N
and a bunch of othe stuff I erased off my paper

The answer in the back is 3.8 x 102 or around 380 n
 
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What is the mass of the cart and groceries?
 
it doesn't say just assume 42kg I geuss
 
tyler24_11 said:
it doesn't say just assume 42kg I geuss

The 450 N force has 2 components. There is the Cos30 component forward, but there is also the Sin30 component down. Sin30*450 N + 42*(9.8) N = 225 + 411.6 N = 636.6 N in the downward direction.

Then you use your coefficient of friction based on the total downward force.
 
yah, thanks. I figured it out last night. I drew a diagram
 

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