Mechanics: Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions

Vectors and Forces in 2-D: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 11:

The custodians clean the field house gym floor between games at the annual Holiday Basketball Classic. Chuck exerts a force on a 1.1-kg push broom as he walks across the floor at a constant speed. The coefficient of friction between the floor and the broom is 0.45 and the broom handle makes an angle of 41° with the horizontal. Determine the amount of force with which Chuck pushes downward (along the handle of the broom) in order to achieve this constant speed motion. (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, v_o = 0.0 m/s,  Ø = 41.6º, v_f = ???.
• 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.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Forces in Two-Dimensions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

• Vector Components
• Vector Resolution
• Net Force Problems Revisited

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