Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions

Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 20:

A local automobile dealership has chosen to hang a car outside the entry to their showroom. The car has been modified so that its mass is 645 kg. The car's weight will be supported by a heavy-duty chain which pulls upwards and leftwards. A beam will push outward to balance the wallward pull of the chain. The manufacturer of the chain claims it has a breaking strength of 17400 Newtons. Village code requires that there be a safety factor of 2.20. That is, the actual tension in the chain must be no more than 1/2.20 of the breaking strength. What is the minimum angle (between the chain and the horizontal) at which the dealership can hang the car?

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 1.25 kg, µ = 0.459, vo = 0.0 m/s,  Ø = 41.6º, vf = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

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Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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