Unbalanced Force Components and Acceleration

In summary, the conversation discusses the given masses of a cart, weight, and string, as well as the applied force generated by the weight. The conversation also mentions the normal force by the track, the angle of the string, and the total mass that will accelerate. It suggests using both theory and experimentation to determine the horizontal component of the force applied to the cart and load.
  • #1
min_eng
1
0

Homework Statement



Givens:
Mass of Cart = 1156g = 1.156kg
Mass on string = 400g = 0.4kg
Mass on Cart = 1003g = 1.003kg

The weight attached to the pulley generates the applied force.

AOwsIzX.jpg


Homework Equations



Calculate the force applied.

The Attempt at a Solution



Look on the sheet.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
the Normal Force by the track is to keep the cart & load from sinking into the track.
it looks like the string is pulling somewhat upward but not entirely upward;
only the upward component will help the track not get sunk into.
Do you know that string's angle?

From a theory perspective: how much total mass is going to accelerate? (no, not 2.159kg)
which component of the string's Tension will be causing that acceleration?

Experimental perspective: did you measure its acceleration with the ticker tape?
then the horizontal component of string Force applied to (car & load) is pretty easy to deduce.

The theory, on the other hand, is a bear because the angle makes the hanger's acceleration different than the car & load acceleration.
 

1. What is an unbalanced force?

An unbalanced force is a force that is not cancelled out by an equal and opposite force, causing an object to accelerate in the direction of the net force.

2. How are unbalanced force components calculated?

Unbalanced force components can be calculated using vector addition. This involves breaking down the force into its horizontal and vertical components and then adding them using trigonometric functions.

3. How does unbalanced force affect an object's acceleration?

Unbalanced force causes an object to accelerate in the direction of the net force, according to Newton's second law of motion (F=ma). The greater the unbalanced force, the greater the acceleration of the object.

4. Can unbalanced force components be negative?

Yes, unbalanced force components can be negative. This indicates that the force is acting in the opposite direction of the positive direction chosen in the coordinate system.

5. What is the relationship between unbalanced force components and acceleration?

The relationship between unbalanced force components and acceleration is that the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F=ma). Therefore, the greater the unbalanced force components, the greater the acceleration of the object.

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