What are the forces acting on a child pulling a wagon up an inclined hill?

You correctly applied the equations Fnet = ma and Fn = Fgy to determine the magnitude of the force applied by the child (a) and the normal force on the wagon (b). Make sure to check your calculator settings to avoid any errors in the future. In summary, the child must apply a force of 71.9 N and the normal force on the wagon is 11.7 N.
  • #1
IbrahimA
11
0

Homework Statement


A child is pulling a wagon of mass 7.38 kg up a hill inclined at an angle of 14.3 degrees to the horizontal. The child applies a force parallel to the hill. The acceleration of the wagon is 6.45 cm/s^2 up the hill. Friction is negligible. Determine the magnitude of (a) the force applied by the child, and (b) the normal force on the wagon.

FBD Diagram I drew:
hShKWw8.jpg


Correct Answers on book:
(a) 18.3 N
(b) 70.1 N

Homework Equations


Fnet = ma

(a) Fnet = -Fgx + Fa
(b) Fn = -Fgy

The Attempt at a Solution


(a)
Fnet = (-Fgx) + Fa
ma = m(-g)(cos14.3) + Fa
(7.38)(0.0645) = (7.38)(-9.8)(cos14.3) + Fa
71.9 N = Fa

(b)
Fn = Fgy
Fn = (7.38)(-9.8)(cos14.3)
Fn = 11.7 N


 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Note that you've used the cosine function for getting both Fgx and Fgy.

Make sure your calculator is in "degree mode".
 
  • #3
TSny said:
Welcome to PF!

Note that you've used the cosine function for getting both Fgx and Fgy.

Make sure your calculator is in "degree mode".

I literally just checked it now, its was on radians. I redid the calculations and they are correct.
Thank you so much.
 
  • #4
Good work!
 

FAQ: What are the forces acting on a child pulling a wagon up an inclined hill?

What is the Dynamics Wagon Problem?

The Dynamics Wagon Problem is a classic physics problem that involves understanding the motion of a wagon on an inclined plane. It requires the application of Newton's laws of motion to determine the acceleration and velocity of the wagon as it moves down the slope.

What are the key concepts involved in solving the Dynamics Wagon Problem?

The key concepts involved in solving the Dynamics Wagon Problem include understanding forces, acceleration, and velocity. It also requires knowledge of Newton's laws of motion and how they apply to the situation at hand. Additionally, an understanding of trigonometry and vectors is necessary to accurately determine the forces acting on the wagon.

What are the steps to solving the Dynamics Wagon Problem?

The first step in solving the Dynamics Wagon Problem is to draw a free body diagram, which shows all the forces acting on the wagon. Next, Newton's laws of motion can be applied to determine the net force on the wagon and its resulting acceleration. Then, trigonometry can be used to break down the forces into their component vectors. Finally, the equations of motion can be used to calculate the velocity and position of the wagon at different points along the inclined plane.

What are some common mistakes when solving the Dynamics Wagon Problem?

Some common mistakes when solving the Dynamics Wagon Problem include forgetting to account for all the forces acting on the wagon, using the wrong equations or values for the forces, and not properly breaking down the forces into their component vectors. It is also important to pay attention to the direction of the forces and to use the correct sign conventions for acceleration and velocity.

How is the Dynamics Wagon Problem relevant to real-life situations?

The Dynamics Wagon Problem has real-life applications in fields such as engineering, architecture, and transportation. Understanding the forces and motion involved in the problem can help in designing and building structures, vehicles, and other systems. It also has practical applications in everyday situations, such as understanding the braking distance of a car on a sloped road or the forces acting on a skier going down a mountain.

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