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Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
Now we'll solve problems
where the applied force acts
at an angle to the friction
force, so that they are not
parallel or perpendicular
with one another.
Take the case of a box
being pulled along the floor
at an angle.
First we do a free body
diagram, just as was done
previously.
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=ehcIthwNZrE
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
The next, critical, step is FN
to choose axes. Previously, F app
fk
the x and y axes were used,
since each axis lined up
with the forces...and the
accelerations.
mg
You always have to ask, "In which direction could the object
accelerate?" Then make one axis along that direction, and the
other one perpendicular.
What's the answer in this case?
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
This time, the x and y a
y
axes still work since it is
assumed that the box will
slide along the surface FN
without bouncing up and F app
fk
down (ay = 0 m/s2).
X
mg
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
y
Now we have to resolve
any forces that don't line FN
up with our axes into F app
fk
components that do.
X
In this case, F app must be
resolved into F x and Fy
components. F N, mg and mg
fk are good as they are
they are already on the x
or y axes.
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
y
FN
Once that is done, F app
we can proceed as we did fk Fy
previously, working with Fx
the x and y axis X
components separately.
mg
We're now ready to solve
a problem.
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
Find the acceleration of a
box of mass 3.0 kg, if the y
applied force is 20.0 N
at 37o above the x axis, FN
and the coefficient of F app
kinetic friction is 0.20. fk Fy
Fx X
We solved a similar
problem to this one a few
slides back but the mg
applied force was along
the x axis.
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
Fapp = F = 20.0 N at 37o Remember, solve the yaxis first!
m = 3.0 kg
x axis y axis
μk = 0.20
ΣFx = ma x ΣFy = ma y = 0
y
FN Fx f k = ma x
FN + Fy mg = 0
fk Fapp Fx μk FN = ma x
Fy
FN = mg F y
Fx X Fcosθ μ k mg = ma x
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
Now it's time to compare the differences when you pull a wagon at
an angle versus pulling it horizontally. Here are the givens and the
free body diagrams for the two problems that were presented.
Fapp = F = 20.0 N Fapp = F = 20.0 N at 37o
m = 3.0 kg m = 3.0 kg
μk = 0.20 μk = 0.20
y
FN
FN
fk F app
fk Fapp Fy
Fx X
mg
mg
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
And here are the calculations for the Normal Force and the
acceleration in the x direction. Can you explain the differences?
Fapp = F = 20.0 N Fapp = F = 20.0 N at 37o
m = 3.0 kg m = 3.0 kg
μk = 0.20 μk = 0.20
y
FN
FN
fk F app
fk Fapp Fy
Fx X
mg
mg
FN = 30.0 N FN = 18.0 N
ax = 4.7 m/s 2 ax = 4.1 m/s 2
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
Friction was reduced when the
box was pulled at an angle,
because the Normal Force P
was reduced. FN F AP
Fy
The box's weight, mg, was
supported by the ycomponent mg
of the Applied Force plus the
Normal Force. Just looking at the yaxis
Fy
Thus, the Normal Force was
lowered which decreased the
ΣF = ma y
FN
frictional force. FN + Fy mg = 0
mg
FN = mg F y
FN = mg Fsin θ
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
That explains the difference in the Normal force, but since the
friction force is greater for the object pulled along the x axis, why
is its acceleration greater than the object pulled at an angle?
y
FN
FN
fk F app
fk Fapp Fy
Fx X
mg
mg
FN = 30.0 N FN = 18.0 N
ax = 4.7 m/s 2 ax = 4.1 m/s 2
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
That's not as easy it depends on the angle and the coefficient of
kinetic friction they work in tandem to determine the optimal
angle for the greatest acceleration for the same applied force.
Try solving the equations algebraically for the two cases and
comparing them.
You should find that if (cosθ + μksinθ) is greater than 1, then
pulling the object at an angle θ results in a greater acceleration
than if the force is aligned with the x axis. If equal to 1, it is the
same, and if less than 1, then a greater acceleration results from
the force being horizontal.
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
Instead of pulling the
object at an angle, what
would happen to the
acceleration of the object
if it was pushed along the
floor by a downward
angled force?
What would happen
to the Normal force and
the friction force?
We'll just use algebra this time no numbers.
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
y
FN
Here's the free body
fk
diagram superimposed
over the box.
FA X
PP
Next, the y components of
this case will be examined. mg
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
In this case the pushing y
force is also pushing
the box into the surface, FN
increasing the Normal
force as well as the fk Fx
Friction force.
FA X
Fy
The forces on the yaxis: PP
mg
FN
mg
Fy
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
y
Now, let's look at the x axis.
FN
fk Fx
fk Fx
The forces on the xaxis: X
FA Fy
PP
mg
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
The acceleration in the x direction for pushing an object along
a horizontal surface is:
Had we done the algebra for the pulling case, the only
difference is the sign of the Fsin θ term:
Given these equations, what can you say
about the acceleration of an object when it
is alternatively pushed and pulled with the
same force?
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Two Dimensional Applied Force and
Friction
For a given force, the acceleration due to pulling is always
greater than pushing it.
And that is why it is easier to pull a lawnmower
than to push it; remember that the next time
you're in the airport and you have to wheel your
luggage cart to catch a plane!
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