Calculating tension in a rope on a sled

In summary, the net force on the sled is equal to the mass of the sled times the acceleration, which is equal to the tension in the rope minus the force of friction. The force exerted by the snowmobile is equal to the total mass of the snowmobile and driver times the acceleration, which is equal to the tension in the rope plus the drag force acting on the snowmobile.
  • #1
PHYSIC NEWBEE
1
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Homework Statement



A 82 kg sled is pulled forward from rest by a snowmobile and accelerates at 2.0 m/s2 [forward] for 6.0 s. The force of friction acting on the sled is 120 N [backwards]. The total mass of the snowmobile and driver is 460 kg. The drag force acting on the snowmobile is 540 N [backwards]

(a) Determine the tension in the rope.
(b) Calculate the force exerted by the snowmobile that pushes the sled forward.


Homework Equations


T= M X G


The Attempt at a Solution


T=MG
T=(82)(9.8)-(460)(2)
T=803.6 N-920 N
=116.4N
 
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  • #2
If the sled is [itex]82kg[/itex] and accelerates forward at [itex]2\frac{m}{s^2}[/itex] then what must be the net force on the sled?

What forces contribute to that net force?
 
  • #3
PHYSIC NEWBEE said:

Homework Statement



A 82 kg sled is pulled forward from rest by a snowmobile and accelerates at 2.0 m/s2 [forward] for 6.0 s. The force of friction acting on the sled is 120 N [backwards]. The total mass of the snowmobile and driver is 460 kg. The drag force acting on the snowmobile is 540 N [backwards]

(a) Determine the tension in the rope.
(b) Calculate the force exerted by the snowmobile that pushes the sled forward.


Homework Equations


T= M X G
That is not generally true. What is true is that ##F = ma##, that is, the net force equals the mass times the acceleration. The acceleration of the sled in this problem is not due to gravity., but due to the tension in the rope. Gravity does play a part, but only in determining the frictional forces.
 

FAQ: Calculating tension in a rope on a sled

1. How do you calculate the tension in a rope on a sled?

The tension in a rope on a sled can be calculated using the formula T = mgsin(theta) + ma, where T is the tension in the rope, m is the mass of the sled, g is the acceleration due to gravity, theta is the angle of the incline, and a is the acceleration of the sled.

2. What factors affect the tension in a rope on a sled?

The tension in a rope on a sled is affected by the mass of the sled, the angle of the incline, and the acceleration of the sled. The tension will increase with a heavier sled, steeper incline, and faster acceleration.

3. How does the angle of the incline affect the tension in a rope on a sled?

The angle of the incline affects the tension in a rope on a sled because it determines the component of the weight of the sled that is pulling on the rope. As the angle increases, the component of the weight pulling on the rope also increases, resulting in a higher tension.

4. Can the tension in a rope on a sled ever be negative?

No, the tension in a rope on a sled cannot be negative. The tension always acts in the direction of the rope and is a measure of the force the rope is exerting. Negative tension would imply that the rope is pulling in the opposite direction, which is not possible.

5. What units are used to measure tension?

Tension is typically measured in units of force, such as newtons (N) or pounds (lbs). However, it can also be measured in units of mass multiplied by acceleration, such as kilograms meters per second squared (kg m/s^2) or slug feet per second squared (slug ft/s^2).

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