What Happens to the Normal Force When the Applied Force is Removed?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of removing an applied force on a block resting on a frictionless surface. Initially, a 10.0 N force at a 30° angle results in a normal force of 17.3 N and an acceleration of 6.93 m/s². After the applied force is removed, the normal force adjusts to 7.35 N, while the net force on the block just after it leaves the table is also 7.35 N downward, neglecting air resistance. The participant initially misapplied the equations of motion, leading to confusion regarding the normal force calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with force diagrams and vector components
  • Knowledge of basic kinematics and dynamics
  • Ability to apply equations of motion in two dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of normal force in different scenarios
  • Study the effects of frictionless surfaces on motion
  • Learn about vector decomposition in force analysis
  • Explore the implications of removing forces in dynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of force interactions in a frictionless environment.

Sinusoidal
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A force of 10.0 N is applied at an angle of 30° to the horizontal on a 1.25-kg block initially at rest on a frictionless surface. a) What is the magnitude of the block’s acceleration? b) What is the magnitude of the normal force?

This was en example in my book. I understood this part. The answer to a) is 6.93 m/s[tex]^{2}[/tex] , and the answer to b) is 17.3 N.

I didn’t understand the follow-up exercise.

a) Suppose the applied force on the block is applied for only a short time. What is the magnitude of the normal force after the applied force is removed? b) If the block slides off the edge of the table, what would be the net force on the block just after it leaves the table (with the applied force removed)?

The book gives these answers:

a) 7.35 N
b) Neglecting air resistance, 7.35 N, downward


Homework Equations


I thought you'd use this since the applied force was removed, but I'm not getting the right answer.

#1 ∑Fy=N-mg=ma=0
N=mg


#2 ∑Fy=N-Fy-mg=ma=0

The Attempt at a Solution


N=(1.25kg)(9.80 m/s[tex]^{2}[/tex])=12.3 N

Earlier, I used the 2nd equation when I was calculating the normal force with the applied force, so I thought removing Fy from the equation would give me the correct answer. Help!

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks like you're right and the book answer is incorrect.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Rodrigo2558

Similar threads

  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 95 ·
4
Replies
95
Views
7K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K