Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions

Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 9:

Ben Laborin works for the South bookstore during the summer months to help prepare for Fall sales. Books from one supplier are shipped to the school in large crates equipped with rope handles on all sides. On one occasion, Ben momentarily pulled with a force of 692 N at an angle of 36.0° above the horizontal to accelerate a 112-kg crate of books. The coefficient of friction between the crates and the vinyl floor is 0.548. Determine the acceleration experienced by the crate. (Suggestion: Begin with a free body diagram.)

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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