Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions
Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution
Lon Mauer is cleaning up the driveway after mowing the grass. He exerts a sudden downward force of 56.8 N at a constant angle of 54.7° below the horizontal in order to accelerate his 1.05-kg broom from rest. The coefficient of friction between the broom bristles and the driveway is 0.567. Determine the rate of acceleration of the broom. (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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