Finding Acceleration for Box with Pulled Rope

  • Thread starter AsuraSky
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In summary, the acceleration of the box being moved by a student pulling with a force of 80.0 N at an angle of 21.0° above the horizontal, with a mass of 25.0 kg and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.300, can be calculated by finding the net force in the x direction, which is equal to 80cos(21) - 0.3(25)(9.8) = 1.18643412 N, and dividing it by the mass of the box, resulting in an acceleration of 0.047457 m/s2. However, the presence of the y-component of the force also affects the normal reaction, which needs to be taken into account
  • #1
AsuraSky
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Homework Statement



A student decides to move a box of books into her dormitory room by pulling on a rope attached to the box. She pulls with a force of 80.0 N at an angle of 21.0° above the horizontal. The box has a mass of 25.0 kg, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between box and floor is 0.300. Find the acceleration of the box.

2. The attempt at a solution

Since the student is pulling with a 80.0 N force at a 21 degree angle, the x component would be

Fx = 80cos(21)

The frictional force would be .3(25)(9.8)

So therefore the net force in the x direction is

80cos(21) - .3(25)(9.8) = 1.18643412 N

To find acceleration divide the previous result by mass

1.18643412/25 = .047457 m/s2

I put this answer in; however the online homework marked me wrong. I've double checked my work many times and I don't see what I'm doing wrong. Any help would be appreciated
 
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  • #2
Remember, the y-component of the force is Fsinθ.

So vertically, you will have

Fsinθ+N = mg where 'N' is your normal reaction. The presence of the y-component changes the value of the normal reaction 'N'.
 

FAQ: Finding Acceleration for Box with Pulled Rope

What is friction?

Friction is the force that resists the relative motion or tendency of motion between two surfaces in contact.

What are the types of friction?

There are four types of friction: static friction, sliding friction, rolling friction, and fluid friction.

How is friction calculated?

Friction can be calculated using the formula F = μN, where F is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force.

What factors affect friction?

Friction can be affected by the type of surfaces in contact, the force pushing the surfaces together, the roughness of the surfaces, and the presence of any lubricants.

What are some real-life examples of friction?

Some examples of friction in everyday life include walking on the ground, rubbing your hands together to create heat, and using brakes to slow down a moving vehicle.

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