A man pushes a lawnmower of mass 50kg at a constant velocity over a horizontal lawn. He exerts a push of 200N on the handle at an angle of 60° to the horizontal and the lawnmower moves to the left.
The question is determined the frictional force on the mower
To determine the frictional force on the lawnmower, we need to calculate the net force acting on it. Since the lawnmower is moving at a constant velocity, the net force must be zero.
The man exerts a push of 200N on the handle at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. We can resolve this force into its horizontal and vertical components.
The horizontal component of the force can be calculated using the formula:
Fx = F * cos(θ), where F is the magnitude of the force and θ is the angle with respect to the horizontal.
Fx = 200N * cos(60°)
Fx = 200N * 0.5
Fx = 100N
Since the lawnmower is moving to the left, the frictional force must be acting in the opposite direction (to the right). Therefore, the frictional force has a magnitude of 100N.
Therefore, the frictional force acting on the lawnmower is 100N.
To determine the frictional force on the lawnmower, we need to consider the forces acting on it.
First, let's resolve the applied force into its vertical and horizontal components. We have an applied force of 200N at an angle of 60° to the horizontal.
The horizontal component of the applied force can be calculated using the formula: F_horizontal = F_applied × cos(angle)
F_horizontal = 200N × cos(60°)
F_horizontal = 200N × 0.5
F_horizontal = 100N
Since the lawnmower is moving at a constant velocity, we know that the net force in the horizontal direction is zero. This means the frictional force will oppose the applied force and will also be 100N in the opposite direction.
Therefore, the frictional force on the lawnmower is 100N to the right.
the velocity is constant
... so the frictional force equals the horizontal pushing force
frictional force = 200 cos(60º) ... Newtons