Physics (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118486897
ISBN 13: 978-1-11848-689-4

Chapter 4 - Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion - Problems - Page 115: 41

Answer

(a) $\frac{F_N}{W_{car}}=0.97$ (b) $\frac{F_N}{W_{car}}=0.82$

Work Step by Step

From the picture below, we can see that the normal force $\vec{F}_N$ does not point directly upward but points in a direction perpendicular with the inclined surface. Therefore, the opposite force of $\vec{F}_N$ is no longer $m\vec{g}$, but $m\vec{g}\cos\theta$ Considering only $\vec{F}_N$ and $m\vec{g}\cos\theta$, we see that these two forces do not contribute to the car driving. In fact, they balance each other: $$F_N=mg\cos\theta$$ $$\frac{F_N}{mg}=\frac{F_N}{W_{car}}=\cos\theta$$ (a) $\theta=15^o$ $$\frac{F_N}{W_{car}}=\cos15=0.97$$ (b) $\theta=35^o$ $$\frac{F_N}{W_{car}}=\cos35=0.82$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.