- #1
dlacombe13
- 100
- 3
Homework Statement
The block resting on the inclined plane shown has a mass of 40kg. Determine the maximum and minimum value of P for which the block is in equilibrium. (fs=0.35 and θ=25°)
The image on top is the diagram in the book and the image below it is my free-body diagram (not too sure if the Fr (friction) force is correct though)
3. Attempt at the solution
Now my problem isn't exactly but how to solve this, since I found the solution online. My question is more about the trigonometry used to find some of the forces in this diagram. I found that the w (the weight) is of course (40)(9.8) = 392.4. Now the question is this:
The solution and the book claims that N=(392.4)(cos 25) = 355.64. However I am confused because if I say that:
cos 25 = a/h (N)
cos 25 = 392.4/h
h=392.4/cos 25 = 432.97
Which is incorrect. Can some explain why in my mind, I am 100% that this equation does indeed solve for the hypotenuse, yet the book claims that it is the product of the two? Is my free-body diagram wrong? I am certain i that it isn't (except maybe the friction force which may be wrong). Once I understand this I am sure I can better understand the solution to this problem and other similar problems.