What is the minimum normal force he must exert?

In summary, a 50.0 kg climber is supported in a "chimney" by friction forces exerted by his shoes and back against the walls. The static coefficients of friction between his shoes and the wall, and between his back and the wall, are 0.90 and 0.65, respectively. The minimum normal force required for the climber to stay in place can be determined by assuming the walls are vertical and using the maximum static friction forces, Ffr = µsFN. This can be calculated by multiplying the climber's mass, gravity, and friction coefficient. However, the minimum Ff should also be equal to the climber's weight to maintain a net force of zero. Further assistance may
  • #1
physicsss
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The 50.0 kg climber is supported in the "chimney" by the friction forces exerted on his shoes and back. The static coefficients of friction between his shoes and the wall, and between his back and the wall, are 0.90 and 0.65, respectively. What is the minimum normal force he must exert? Assume the walls are vertical and that the static friction forces are both at their maximum, Ffr = µsFN.
 
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  • #2
physicsss said:
The 50.0 kg climber is supported in the "chimney" by the friction forces exerted on his shoes and back. The static coefficients of friction between his shoes and the wall, and between his back and the wall, are 0.90 and 0.65, respectively. What is the minimum normal force he must exert? Assume the walls are vertical and that the static friction forces are both at their maximum, Ffr = µsFN.

nice story, what exactly do you want?
 
  • #3
So I know the net force must equal zero because the climber isn't moving.
I'm assuming the Ff can be determined by multiplying the mass*gravity*friction-coefficient.
But it seems that if Fnet=0, then the minimum Ff should just be equal to the climber's weight. (ie. Fg + Ff(1) + Ff(2) = 0 )

Hopefully I can get some help on this because it can't be that simple.
 

1. What is normal force?

Normal force is the force that a surface exerts on an object that is in contact with it. It is always perpendicular to the surface and acts in the opposite direction of the force applied by the object.

2. What is the minimum normal force?

The minimum normal force is the minimum amount of force needed to prevent an object from sinking into a surface or to keep it in equilibrium. It is typically equal to the weight of the object.

3. How is the minimum normal force calculated?

The minimum normal force can be calculated using the equation FN = mg, where FN is the normal force, m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. Why is the minimum normal force important?

The minimum normal force is important because it determines the stability and equilibrium of an object on a surface. Without enough normal force, an object may sink into the surface or tip over.

5. Can the minimum normal force ever be greater than the weight of an object?

Yes, the minimum normal force can be greater than the weight of an object if the object is accelerating or if there are other forces acting on it besides gravity. In this case, the normal force must be large enough to counteract all the other forces and keep the object in equilibrium.

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