Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in 2-D
Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set F2D3, Question 4:
A rancher uses
two horses to pull a heavy sled along an icy road (assume negligible friction). Two ropes are secured to the sled on one end and to the horses on the other end in order to provide forward force. The rancher holds a third rope which he uses to balance the two horse forces and keep the sled traveling straight at a constant speed. At a given instant in time the horses are pulling with forces A and B as shown:
Force A = 671 N; Theta A = 51.5 degrees
Force B = 461 N; Theta B = 20.9 degrees
a. What is the magnitude of A + B, the forces supplied by the two horses?
b. In what direction (in degrees, counterclockwise from East) must the rancher pull in order to balance the two horse forces and keep the sled moving at a constant speed in the same direction?
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
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... 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.
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... identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, equating 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 = ???.
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... uses physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
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... identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use.
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... performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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