Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in 2-D
Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution
Extra Problem 16:
Two horses are pulling a sled along an icy road; assume that friction between the sled and the road is negligible. A farmer keeps the sled along the proper path by pulling on it with a rope attached at the point where the cables from the horses are attached. The noise startles the horses and they move towards opposite sides of the road as shown in the diagram at the right (a top view). What is the magnitude of the force (in Newtons) that the farmer will have to exert on the sled to keep it moving along the road at constant velocity? Given: Force A = 671 N; Force B = 461 N; Theta A = 51.5 degrees; Theta B = 20.9 degrees
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.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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