Chapter 6

1. The greatest deceleration (of magnitude a) is provided by the maximum friction force
(Eq. 6-1, with FN = mg in this case). Using Newton’s second law, we find

a = fs,max /m = sg.

Eq. 2-16 then gives the shortest distance to stop: | x| = v2/2a = 36 m. In this calculation,
it is important to first convert v to 13 m/s.

2. Applying Newton’s second law to the horizontal motion, we have F k m g = ma,

where we have used Eq. 6-2, assuming that FN = mg (which is equivalent to assuming
that the vertical force from the broom is negligible). Eq. 2-16 relates the distance traveled
and the final speed to the acceleration: v2 = 2a x. This gives a = 1.4 m/s2. Returning to
the force equation, we find (with F = 25 N and m = 3.5 kg) that k = 0.58.

3. THINK In the presence of friction between the floor and the bureau, a minimum
horizontal force must be applied before the bureau would begin to move.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram for the bureau is shown

to the right. We denote F as the horizontal force of the
person, f s is the force of static friction (in the –x direction),
FN is the vertical normal force exerted by the floor (in the
+y direction), and mg is the force of gravity. We do not
consider the possibility that the bureau might tip, and treat
this as a purely horizontal motion problem (with the
person’s push F in the +x direction). Applying Newton’s
second law to the x and y axes, we obtain
F f s , max ma
FN mg 0
respectively.
The second equation yields the normal force FN = mg, whereupon the maximum static
friction is found to be (from Eq. 6-1) f s ,max s mg. Thus, the first equation becomes

F s mg ma 0

where we have set a = 0 to be consistent with the fact that the static friction is still (just
barely) able to prevent the bureau from moving.
ANALYZE (a) With s 0.45 and m = 45 kg, the equation above leads to

F s mg (0.45)(45 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 ) 198 N .

243
244 CHAPTER 6

To bring the bureau into a state of motion, the person should push with any force greater
than this value. Rounding to two significant figures, we can therefore say the minimum
required push is F = 2.0 102 N.

(b) Replacing m = 45 kg with m = 28 kg, the reasoning above leads to roughly

F 1.2 102 N.

LEARN The values found above represent the minimum force required to overcome the
friction. Applying a force greater than s mg results in a net force in the +x-direction,
and hence, non-zero acceleration.

4. We first analyze the forces on the pig of mass m. The incline angle is .

The +x direction is “downhill.’’ Application of Newton’s second law to the x- and y-axes
leads to
mg sin fk ma
FN mg cos 0.

Solving these along with Eq. 6-2 (fk = kFN) produces the following result for the pig’s
downhill acceleration:
a g sin k cos .

To compute the time to slide from rest through a downhill distance , we use Eq. 2-15:

1 2 2
v0t at t .
2 a

We denote the frictionless ( k = 0) case with a prime and set up a ratio:

t 2 /a a
t 2 /a a

which leads us to conclude that if t/t' = 2 then a' = 4a. Putting in what we found out
above about the accelerations, we have
 245

g sin 4 g sin k cos .

Using = 35°, we obtain k = 0.53.

5. In addition to the forces already shown in Fig. 6-17, a free-body diagram would
include an upward normal force FN exerted by the floor on the block, a downward mg
representing the gravitational pull exerted by Earth, and an assumed-leftward f for the
kinetic or static friction. We choose +x rightwards and +y upwards. We apply Newton’s
second law to these axes:
F f ma
P FN mg 0

where F = 6.0 N and m = 2.5 kg is the mass of the block.

(a) In this case, P = 8.0 N leads to

FN = (2.5 kg)(9.8 m/s2) – 8.0 N = 16.5 N.

Using Eq. 6-1, this implies f s ,max s FN 6.6 N , which is larger than the 6.0 N
rightward force – so the block (which was initially at rest) does not move. Putting a = 0
into the first of our equations above yields a static friction force of f = P = 6.0 N.

(b) In this case, P = 10 N, the normal force is

FN = (2.5 kg)(9.8 m/s2) – 10 N = 14.5 N.

Using Eq. 6-1, this implies f s ,max s FN 5.8 N , which is less than the 6.0 N rightward
force – so the block does move. Hence, we are dealing not with static but with kinetic
friction, which Eq. 6-2 reveals to be f k k FN 3.6 N .

(c) In this last case, P = 12 N leads to FN = 12.5 N and thus to f s ,max s FN 5.0 N ,
which (as expected) is less than the 6.0 N rightward force – so the block moves. The
kinetic friction force, then, is f k k FN 3.1 N .

6. The free-body diagram for the player is shown to the right. FN is

the normal force of the ground on the player, mg is the force of
gravity, and f is the force of friction. The force of friction is
related to the normal force by f = kFN. We use Newton’s second
law applied to the vertical axis to find the normal force. The vertical
component of the acceleration is zero, so we obtain FN – mg = 0;
thus, FN = mg. Consequently,
246 CHAPTER 6

f 470 N
k 0.61.
FN 79 kg 9.8 m/s 2

7. THINK A force is being applied to accelerate a crate in the presence of friction. We

apply Newton’s second law to solve for the acceleration.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram for the crate is shown to the right.
We denote F as the horizontal force of the person exerted on the
crate (in the +x direction), f k is the force of kinetic friction (in the –x
direction), FN is the vertical normal force exerted by the floor (in the
+y direction), and mg is the force of gravity. The magnitude of the
force of friction is given by Eq. 6-2: fk = kFN. Applying Newton’s
second law to the x and y axes, we obtain

F fk ma
FN mg 0
respectively.

ANALYZE (a) The second equation above yields the normal force FN = mg, so that the
friction is
fk k FN k mg 0.35 55 kg (9.8 m/s2 ) 1.9 102 N.

(b) The first equation becomes

F k mg ma

which (with F = 220 N) we solve to find

F 220 N
a k g (0.35)(9.8 m/s 2 ) 0.56 m/s 2 .
m 55 kg

LEARN For the crate to accelerate, the condition F f k k mg must be met. As can

be seen from the equation above, the greater the value of k , the smaller the acceleration
under the same applied force.

8. To maintain the stone’s motion, a horizontal force (in the +x direction) is needed that
cancels the retarding effect due to kinetic friction. Applying Newton’s second to the x
and y axes, we obtain
F fk ma
FN mg 0

respectively. The second equation yields the normal force FN = mg, so that (using Eq. 6-2)
the kinetic friction becomes fk = k mg. Thus, the first equation becomes
 247

F k mg ma 0

where we have set a = 0 to be consistent with the idea that the horizontal velocity of the
stone should remain constant. With m = 20 kg and k = 0.80, we find F = 1.6 102 N.

9. We choose +x horizontally rightwards and +y upwards and observe that the 15 N force
has components Fx = F cos and Fy = – F sin .

(a) We apply Newton’s second law to the y axis:

FN F sin mg 0 FN (15 N) sin 40 (3.5 kg) (9.8 m/s2 ) 44 N.

With k = 0.25, Eq. 6-2 leads to fk = 11 N.

(b) We apply Newton’s second law to the x axis:

15 N cos 40 11 N
F cos fk ma a 0.14 m/s 2 .
3.5 kg

Since the result is positive-valued, then the block is accelerating in the +x (rightward)
direction.

10. (a) The free-body diagram for the block is shown below, with F being the force
applied to the block, FN the normal force of the floor on the block, mg the force of
gravity, and f the force of friction.

We take the +x direction to be horizontal to the right

and the +y direction to be up. The equations for the x
and the y components of the force according to
Newton’s second law are:

Fx F cos f ma
Fy F sin FN mg 0

Now f = kFN, and the second equation gives FN = mg – Fsin , which yields
f k (mg F sin ) . This expression is substituted for f in the first equation to obtain

F cos – k (mg – F sin ) = ma,

so the acceleration is
F
a cos k sin k g.
m
248 CHAPTER 6

(a) If s 0.600 and k 0.500, then the magnitude of f has a maximum value of

f s ,max s FN (0.600)(mg 0.500mg sin 20 ) 0.497mg.

On the other hand, F cos 0.500mg cos 20 0.470mg. Therefore, F cos f s ,max and
the block remains stationary with a 0 .

(b) If s 0.400 and k 0.300, then the magnitude of f has a maximum value of

f s ,max s FN (0.400)(mg 0.500mg sin 20 ) 0.332mg.

In this case, F cos 0.500mg cos 20 0.470mg f s ,max . Therefore, the acceleration of
the block is
F
a cos k sin kg
m
(0.500)(9.80 m/s 2 ) cos 20 (0.300)sin 20 (0.300)(9.80 m/s 2 )
2.17 m/s 2 .

11. THINK Since the crate is being pulled by a rope at an angle with the horizontal, we
need to analyze the force components in both the x and y-directions.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram for the crate is

shown to the right. Here T is the tension force of the
rope on the crate, FN is the normal force of the floor
on the crate, mg is the force of gravity, and f is the
force of friction. We take the +x direction to be
horizontal to the right and the +y direction to be up.
We assume the crate is motionless.

The equations for the x and the y components of the force according to Newton’s second
law are:
T cos f 0, T sin FN mg 0

where = 15° is the angle between the rope and the horizontal. The first equation gives
f T cos and the second gives FN = mg – T sin . If the crate is to remain at rest, f
must be less than s FN, or T cos < s (mg – T sin ). When the tension force is
sufficient to just start the crate moving, we must have T cos = s (mg – T sin ).

ANALYZE (a) We solve for the tension:

 249

mg 0.50 68 kg 9.8 m/s 2

T s
304 N 3.0 102 N.
cos s sin cos 15 0.50 sin 15

(b) The second law equations for the moving crate are

T cos f ma, T sin FN mg 0.

Now f = kFN, and the second equation above gives FN mg T sin , which then yields
f k (mg T sin ) . This expression is substituted for f in the first equation to obtain

T cos – k (mg – T sin ) = ma,

so the acceleration is

T cos k sin
a kg
m
(304 N)(cos15 0.35 sin 15 )
(0.35) (9.8 m/s 2 ) 1.3 m/s 2 .
68 kg
LEARN Let’s check the limit where 0 . In this case, we recover the familiar
expressions: T s mg and a (T k mg ) / m .

12. There is no acceleration, so the (upward) static friction forces (there are four of them,
one for each thumb and one for each set of opposing fingers) equals the magnitude of the
(downward) pull of gravity. Using Eq. 6-1, we have

4 s FN mg (79 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )

which, with s = 0.70, yields FN = 2.8 102 N.

13. We denote the magnitude of 110 N force exerted by the worker on the crate as F. The
magnitude of the static frictional force can vary between zero and f s ,max s FN .

(a) In this case, application of Newton’s second law in the vertical direction yields
FN mg . Thus,

f s , max s FN s mg 0.37 35kg (9.8m / s2 ) 1.3 102 N

which is greater than F.

(b) The block, which is initially at rest, stays at rest since F < fs, max. Thus, it does not
move.

(c) By applying Newton’s second law to the horizontal direction, that the magnitude of
the frictional force exerted on the crate is f s 1.1 102 N .
250 CHAPTER 6

(d) Denoting the upward force exerted by the second worker as F2, then application of
Newton’s second law in the vertical direction yields FN = mg – F2, which leads to

f s ,max s FN s (mg F2 ) .

In order to move the crate, F must satisfy the condition F > fs,max = s (mg F
or
110N 0.37 (35kg)(9.8m/s2 ) F2 .

The minimum value of F2 that satisfies this inequality is a value slightly bigger than
45.7 N , so we express our answer as F2, min = 46 N.

(e) In this final case, moving the crate requires a greater horizontal push from the worker
than static friction (as computed in part (a)) can resist. Thus, Newton’s law in the
horizontal direction leads to

F F2 f s , max 110 N F2 126.9 N

which leads (after appropriate rounding) to F2, min = 17 N.

14. (a) Using the result obtained in Sample Problem – “Friction, applied force at an
angle,” the maximum angle for which static friction applies is

1
max tan s tan 1 0.63 32 .

This is greater than the dip angle in the problem, so the block does not slide.

(b) Applying Newton’s second law, we have

F mg sin f s , max ma 0
FN mg cos 0.

Along with Eq. 6-1 (fs, max = sFN) we have enough information to solve for F. With
24 and m = 1.8 107 kg, we find

F mg s cos sin 3.0 107 N.

15. An excellent discussion and equation development related to this problem is given in
Sample Problem – “Friction, applied force at an angle.” We merely quote (and apply)
their main result:
tan 1 s tan 1 0.04 2 .
 251

16. (a) In this situation, we take f s to point uphill and to be equal to its maximum value,
in which case fs, max = s FN applies, where s = 0.25. Applying Newton’s second law to
the block of mass m = W/g = 8.2 kg, in the x and y directions, produces

Fmin 1 mg sin f s , max ma 0

FN mg cos 0
which (with = 20°) leads to

Fmin 1 mg sin s cos 8.6 N.

(b) Now we take f s to point downhill and to be equal to its maximum value, in which
case fs, max = sFN applies, where s = 0.25. Applying Newton’s second law to the block
of mass m = W/g = 8.2 kg, in the x and y directions, produces

Fmin 2 mg sin f s , max ma 0

FN mg cos 0
which (with = 20°) leads to

Fmin 2 mg sin s cos 46 N.

A value slightly larger than the “exact” result of this calculation is required to make it
accelerate uphill, but since we quote our results here to two significant figures, 46 N is a
“good enough” answer.

(c) Finally, we are dealing with kinetic friction (pointing downhill), so that

0 F mg sin fk ma
0 FN mg cos

along with fk = kFN (where k = 0.15) brings us to

F mg sin b k cos g 39 N .

17. If the block is sliding then we compute the kinetic friction from Eq. 6-2; if it is not
sliding, then we determine the extent of static friction from applying Newton’s law, with
zero acceleration, to the x axis (which is parallel to the incline surface). The question of
whether or not it is sliding is therefore crucial, and depends on the maximum static
friction force, as calculated from Eq. 6-1. The forces are resolved in the incline plane
coordinate system in Figure 6-5 in the textbook. The acceleration, if there is any, is along
the x axis, and we are taking uphill as +x. The net force along the y axis, then, is certainly
zero, which provides the following relationship:
252 CHAPTER 6

Fy 0 FN W cos

where W = mg = 45 N is the weight of the block, and = 15° is the incline angle. Thus,
FN = 43.5 N, which implies that the maximum static friction force should be

fs,max = (0.50) (43.5 N) = 21.7 N.

(a) For P ( 5.0 N)iˆ , Newton’s second law, applied to the x axis becomes

f | P | mg sin ma .

Here we are assuming f is pointing uphill, as shown in Figure 6-5, and if it turns out that
it points downhill (which is a possibility), then the result for fs will be negative. If f = fs
then a = 0, we obtain

fs = | P | + mg sin = 5.0 N + (43.5 N)sin15° =17 N,

or f s (17 N)iˆ . This is clearly allowed since f s is less than fs, max.

(b) For P ( 8.0 N)iˆ , we obtain (from the same equation) f s (20 N)iˆ , which is still
allowed since it is less than fs, max.

(c) But for P ( 15 N)iˆ , we obtain (from the same equation) fs = 27 N, which is not
allowed since it is larger than fs, max. Thus, we conclude that it is the kinetic friction
instead of the static friction that is relevant in this case. The result is

fk k FN ˆi (0.34)(43.5 N) ˆi (15 N) ˆi .

18. (a) We apply Newton’s second law to the “downhill” direction:

mg sin – f = ma,

where, using Eq. 6-11,

f = fk = kFN = k mg cos

Thus, with k = 0.600, we have

a = gsin – k cos = –3.72 m/s2

which means, since we have chosen the positive direction in the direction of motion
(down the slope) then the acceleration vector points “uphill”; it is decelerating. With
v0 18.0 m/s and x = d = 24.0 m, Eq. 2-16 leads to
 253

v v02 2ad 12.1 m/s.

(b) In this case, we find a = +1.1 m/s2, and the speed (when impact occurs) is 19.4 m/s.

19. (a) The free-body diagram for the block is shown below. F is the applied force, FN is
the normal force of the wall on the block, f is the force of
friction, and mg is the force of gravity. To determine if the block
falls, we find the magnitude f of the force of friction required to
hold it without accelerating and also find the normal force of the
wall on the block. We compare f and sFN. If f < sFN, the block
does not slide on the wall but if f > sFN, the block does slide. The
horizontal component of Newton’s second law is F –FN = 0, so FN
= F = 12 N and

sFN = (0.60)(12 N) = 7.2 N.

The vertical component is f – mg = 0, so f = mg = 5.0 N. Since f < sFN the block does not
slide.

(b) Since the block does not move f = 5.0 N and FN = 12 N. The force of the wall on the
block is
Fw FN ˆi f ˆj 12N ˆi 5.0N ˆj

where the axes are as shown on Fig. 6-26 of the text.

20. Treating the two boxes as a single system of total mass mC + mW =1.0 + 3.0 = 4.0 kg,
subject to a total (leftward) friction of magnitude 2.0 N + 4.0 N = 6.0 N, we apply
Newton’s second law (with +x rightward):

F f total mtotal a 12.0 N 6.0 N (4.0 kg)a

which yields the acceleration a = 1.5 m/s2. We have treated F as if it were known to the
nearest tenth of a Newton so that our acceleration is “good” to two significant figures.
Turning our attention to the larger box (the Wheaties box of mass mW = 3.0 kg) we apply
Newton’s second law to find the contact force F' exerted by the Cheerios box on it.

F fW mW a F 4.0 N (3.0 kg)(1.5 m/s 2 ) .

From the above equation, we find the contact force to be F' = 8.5 N.

21. Fig. 6-4 in the textbook shows a similar situation (using for the unknown angle)
along with a free-body diagram. We use the same coordinate system as in that figure.
254 CHAPTER 6

(a) Thus, Newton’s second law leads to

x: T cos f ma
y : T sin FN mg 0

Setting a = 0 and f = fs,max = sFN, we solve for the mass of the box-and-sand (as a
function of angle):

m
T
sin
FG cos IJ
g H s K
which we will solve with calculus techniques (to find the angle m corresponding to the
maximum mass that can be pulled).

dm TFG
cos
sin m
IJ 0
dt g H m
s K
This leads to tan m s which (for s 0.35 ) yields m 19 .

(b) Plugging our value for m into the equation we found for the mass of the box-and-
sand yields m = 340 kg. This corresponds to a weight of mg = 3.3 103 N.

22. The free-body diagram for the sled is shown below, with F being the force applied to
the sled, FN the normal force of the inclined plane on the sled, mg the force of gravity,
and f the force of friction.
We take the +x direction to be along the
inclined plane and the +y direction to be in its
normal direction. The equations for the x and
the y components of the force according to
Newton’s second law are:

Fx F f mg sin ma 0
Fy FN mg cos 0
Now f = FN, and the second equation gives FN = mgcos , which yields f mg cos .
This expression is substituted for f in the first equation to obtain

F mg (sin cos )

From the figure, we see that F 2.0 N when 0 . This implies mg sin 2.0 N.
Similarly, we also find F 5.0 N when 0.5 :

5.0 N mg (sin 0.50cos ) 2.0 N 0.50mg cos

 255

which yields mg cos 6.0 N. Combining the two results, we get

2 1
tan 18 .
6 3

23. Let the tensions on the strings connecting m2 and m3 be T23, and that connecting m2
and m1 be T12, respectively. Applying Newton’s second law (and Eq. 6-2, with FN = m2g
in this case) to the system we have

m3 g T23 m3a
T23 k m2 g T12 m2 a
T12 m1 g m1a

Adding up the three equations and using m1 M , m2 m3 2M , we obtain

2Mg – 2 k Mg – Mg = 5Ma .

With a = 0.500 m/s2 this yields k = 0.372. Thus, the coefficient of kinetic friction is
roughly k = 0.37.

24. We find the acceleration from the slope of the graph (recall Eq. 2-11): a = 4.5 m/s2.
Thus, Newton’s second law leads to

F– k mg = ma,

where F = 40.0 N is the constant horizontal force applied. With m = 4.1 kg, we arrive at
k =0.54.

25. THINK In order that the two blocks remain in equilibrium, friction must be present
between block B and the surface.

EXPRESS The free-body diagrams for block B and for the knot just above block A are
shown below. T1 is the tension force of the rope pulling on block B or pulling on the knot
(as the case may be), T2 is the tension force exerted by the second rope (at angle = 30°)
on the knot, f is the force of static friction exerted by the horizontal surface on block B,
FN is normal force exerted by the surface on block B, WA is the weight of block A (WA is
the magnitude of mA g ), and WB is the weight of block B (WB = 711 N is the magnitude of
mB g ).
256 CHAPTER 6

For each object we take +x horizontally rightward and +y upward. Applying Newton’s
second law in the x and y directions for block B and then doing the same for the knot
results in four equations:
T1 f s ,max 0
FN WB 0
T2 cos T1 0
T2 sin WA 0

where we assume the static friction to be at its maximum value (permitting us to use Eq.
6-1). The above equations yield T1 s FN , FN WB and T1 T2 cos .

ANALYZE Solving these equations with s = 0.25, we obtain

WA T2 sin T1 tan s FN tan sWB tan

2
(0.25)(711 N) tan 30 1.0 10 N

LEARN As expected, the maximum weight of A is proportional to the weight of B, as

well as the coefficient of static friction. In addition, we see that WA is proportional to
tan (the larger the angle, the greater the vertical component of T2 that supports its
weight).

26. (a) Applying Newton’s second law to the system (of total mass M = 60.0 kg) and
using Eq. 6-2 (with FN = Mg in this case) we obtain

F– kMg = Ma a= 0.473 m/s2.

Next, we examine the forces just on m3 and find F32 = m3(a + kg) = 147 N. If the algebra
steps are done more systematically, one ends up with the interesting relationship:
F32 (m3 / M ) F (which is independent of the friction!).

(b) As remarked at the end of our solution to part (a), the result does not depend on the
frictional parameters. The answer here is the same as in part (a).
 257

27. First, we check to see if the bodies start to move. We assume they remain at rest and
compute the force of (static) friction which holds them there, and compare its magnitude
with the maximum value sFN. The free-body diagrams are shown below.

T is the magnitude of the tension force of the string, f is the magnitude of the force of
friction on body A, FN is the magnitude of the normal force of the plane on body A, mA g
is the force of gravity on body A (with magnitude WA = 102 N), and mB g is the force of
gravity on body B (with magnitude WB = 32 N). = 40° is the angle of incline. We are
told the direction of f but we assume it is downhill. If we obtain a negative result for f,
then we know the force is actually up the plane.

(a) For A we take the +x to be uphill and +y to be in the direction of the normal force. The
x and y components of Newton’s second law become

T f WA sin 0
FN WA cos 0.

Taking the positive direction to be downward for body B, Newton’s second law leads to
WB T 0 . Solving these three equations leads to

f WB WA sin 32 N (102 N)sin 40 34 N

(indicating that the force of friction is uphill) and to

FN WA cos (102 N) cos 40 78N

which means that

fs,max = sFN = (0.56) (78 N) = 44 N.

Since the magnitude f of the force of friction that holds the bodies motionless is less than
fs,max the bodies remain at rest. The acceleration is zero.

(b) Since A is moving up the incline, the force of friction is downhill with
magnitude f k k FN . Newton’s second law, using the same coordinates as in part (a),
leads to
258 CHAPTER 6

T fk WA sin mA a
FN WA cos 0
WB T mB a

for the two bodies. We solve for the acceleration:

WB WA sin k WA cos 32N 102N sin 40 0.25 102N cos 40

a
mB mA 32N +102N 9.8 m s 2
3.9 m s 2 .
The acceleration is down the plane, i.e., a ( 3.9 m/s 2 )iˆ , which is to say (since the
initial velocity was uphill) that the objects are slowing down. We note that m = W/g has
been used to calculate the masses in the calculation above.

(c) Now body A is initially moving down the plane, so the force of friction is uphill with
magnitude f k k FN . The force equations become

T fk WA sin mA a
FN WA cos 0
WB T mB a
which we solve to obtain

WB WA sin k WA cos 32N 102N sin 40 0.25 102N cos 40

a
mB mA 32N +102N 9.8 m s 2
1.0 m s 2 .

The acceleration is again downhill the plane, i.e., a ( 1.0 m/s 2 ) ˆi . In this case, the
objects are speeding up.

28. The free-body diagrams are shown to the right,

where T is the magnitude of the tension force of the
string, f is the magnitude of the force of friction on block
A, FN is the magnitude of the normal force of the plane
on block A, mA g is the force of gravity on body A
(where mA = 10 kg), and mB g is the force of gravity on
block B. = 30° is the angle of incline. For A we take
the +x to be uphill and +y to be in the direction of the
normal force; the positive direction is chosen downward
for block B.

Since A is moving down the incline, the force of friction is uphill with magnitude fk =
kFN (where k = 0.20). Newton’s second law leads to
 259

T fk mA g sin mA a 0
FN mA g cos 0
mB g T mB a 0

for the two bodies (where a = 0 is a consequence of the velocity being constant). We
solve these for the mass of block B.

mB mA sin k cos 3.3 kg.

29. (a) Free-body diagrams for the blocks A and C, considered as a single object, and for
the block B are shown below.

T is the magnitude of the tension force of the rope, FN is the magnitude of the normal
force of the table on block A, f is the magnitude of the force of friction, WAC is the
combined weight of blocks A and C (the magnitude of force Fg AC shown in the figure),
and WB is the weight of block B (the magnitude of force Fg B shown). Assume the blocks
are not moving. For the blocks on the table we take the x axis to be to the right and the y
axis to be upward. From Newton’s second law, we have

x component: T–f=0
y component: FN – WAC = 0.

For block B take the downward direction to be positive. Then Newton’s second law for
that block is WB – T = 0. The third equation gives T = WB and the first gives f = T = WB.
The second equation gives FN = WAC. If sliding is not to occur, f must be less than s FN,
or WB < s WAC. The smallest that WAC can be with the blocks still at rest is

WAC = WB/ s = (22 N)/(0.20) = 110 N.

Since the weight of block A is 44 N, the least weight for C is (110 – 44) N = 66 N.

(b) The second law equations become

T – f = (WA/g)a
260 CHAPTER 6

FN – WA = 0
WB – T = (WB/g)a.

In addition, f = kFN. The second equation gives FN = WA, so f = kWA. The third gives T
= WB – (WB/g)a. Substituting these two expressions into the first equation, we obtain

WB – (WB/g)a – kWA = (WA/g)a.

Therefore,
g WB WA
k
(9.8 m/s 2 ) 22 N 0.15 44 N
a 2.3 m/s2 .
WA WB 44 N + 22 N

30. We use the familiar horizontal and vertical axes for x and y directions, with rightward
and upward positive, respectively. The rope is assumed massless so that the force exerted
by the child F is identical to the tension uniformly through the rope. The x and y
components of F are Fcos and Fsin , respectively. The static friction force points
leftward.

(a) Newton’s Law applied to the y-axis, where there is presumed to be no acceleration,
leads to
FN F sin mg 0

which implies that the maximum static friction is s(mg – F sin ). If fs = fs, max is
assumed, then Newton’s second law applied to the x axis (which also has a = 0 even
though it is “verging” on moving) yields

Fcos f s ma Fcos s (mg Fsin ) 0

which we solve, for = 42° and s = 0.42, to obtain F = 74 N.

(b) Solving the above equation algebraically for F, with W denoting the weight, we obtain

s W (0.42)(180 N) 76 N
F .
cos s sin cos (0.42) sin cos (0.42) sin

(c) We minimize the above expression for F by working through the condition:

dF sW (sin scos )
0
d (cos s sin )2

which leads to the result = tan–1 s = 23°.

(d) Plugging = 23° into the above result for F, with s = 0.42 and W = 180 N, yields
F 70 N .
 261

31. THINK In this problem we have two blocks connected by a string sliding down an
inclined plane; the blocks have different coefficient of kinetic friction.

EXPRESS The free-body diagrams for the two blocks are shown below. T is the
magnitude of the tension force of the string, FNA is the normal force on block A (the
leading block), FNB is the normal force on block B, f A is kinetic friction force on block
A, f B is kinetic friction force on block B. Also, mA is the mass of block A (where mA =
WA/g and WA = 3.6 N), and mB is the mass of block B (where mB = WB/g and WB = 7.2 N).
The angle of the incline is = 30°.

For each block we take +x downhill (which is toward the lower-left in these diagrams)
and +y in the direction of the normal force. Applying Newton’s second law to the x and y
directions of both blocks A and B, we arrive at four equations:

WA sin fA T mA a
FNA WA cos 0
WB sin fB T mB a
FNB WB cos 0

which, when combined with Eq. 6-2 ( f A kA FNA where k A = 0.10 and f B kB FNB fB

where k B = 0.20), fully describe the dynamics of the system so long as the blocks have
the same acceleration and T > 0.

ANALYZE (a) From these equations, we find the acceleration to be

WA k BWB
a g sin kA
cos 3.5 m/s 2 .
WA WB

(b) We solve the above equations for the tension and obtain

WAWB (3.6 N)(7.2 N)

T kB kA cos 0.20 0.10 cos 30 0.21 N.
WA WB 3.6 N 7.2 N
262 CHAPTER 6

LEARN The tension in the string is proportional to k B k A , the difference in

coefficients of kinetic friction for the two blocks. When the coefficients are equal
( kB k A ) the two blocks can be viewed as moving independent of one another and the

tension is zero. Similarly, when k B k A (the leading block A has larger coefficient than
the B), the string is slack, so the tension is also zero.

32. The free-body diagram for the block is shown below, with F being the force applied
to the block, FN the normal force of the floor on the block, mg the force of gravity, and
f the force of friction. We take the +x direction to be horizontal to the right and the +y
direction to be up. The equations for the x and the y
components of the force according to Newton’s second
law are:
Fx F cos f ma
Fy FN F sin mg 0

Now f = kFN, and the second equation gives FN = mg

+ Fsin , which yields

f k (mg F sin ) .

This expression is substituted for f in the first equation to obtain

F cos – k (mg + F sin ) = ma,

so the acceleration is
F
a cos k sin k g.
m

From the figure, we see that a 3.0 m/s2 when k 0 . This implies

F
3.0 m/s2 cos .
m
We also find a 0 when k 0.20 :

F F
0 cos (0.20) sin (0.20)(9.8 m/s2 ) 3.00 m/s2 0.20 sin 1.96 m/s 2
m m
F
1.04 m/s 2 0.20 sin
m

F
which yields 5.2 m/s2 sin . Combining the two results, we get
m
 263

5.2 m/s 2
tan 1.73 60 .
3.0 m/s 2

33. THINK In this problem, the frictional force is not a constant, but instead proportional
to the speed of the boat. Integration is required to solve for the speed.

EXPRESS We denote the magnitude of the frictional force as v, where 70 N s m .

We take the direction of the boat’s motion to be positive. Newton’s second law gives

dv dv
v m dt.
dt v m
Integrating the equation gives
dv
v t
dt
v0 v m 0

where v0 is the velocity at time zero and v is the velocity at time t. Solving the integral
allows us to calculate the time it takes for the boat to slow down to 45 km/h, or v v0 / 2 ,
where v0 90 km/h .

ANALYZE The integrals are evaluated with the result

v t
ln
v0 m

With v = v0/2 and m = 1000 kg, we find the time to be

m v m 1 1000 kg 1
t ln ln ln 9.9 s.
v0 2 70 N s/m 2

LEARN The speed of the boat is given by v(t ) v0e t / m , showing exponential decay
with time. The greater the value of , the more rapidly the boat slows down.

34. The free-body diagrams for the slab and block are shown below.
264 CHAPTER 6

F is the 100 N force applied to the block, FNs is the normal force of the floor on the slab,
FNb is the magnitude of the normal force between the slab and the block, f is the force
of friction between the slab and the block, ms is the mass of the slab, and mb is the mass
of the block. For both objects, we take the +x direction to be to the right and the +y
direction to be up.

Applying Newton’s second law for the x and y axes for (first) the slab and (second) the
block results in four equations:
f ms as
FNs FNs ms g 0
f F mb ab
FNb mb g 0

from which we note that the maximum possible static friction magnitude would be

s FNb s mb g (0.60)(10 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 ) 59 N .

We check to see if the block slides on the slab. Assuming it does not, then as = ab (which
we denote simply as a) and we solve for f:

ms F (40 kg)(100 N)
f 80 N
ms mb 40 kg 10 kg

which is greater than fs,max so that we conclude the block is sliding across the slab (their
accelerations are different).

(a) Using f = k FNb the above equations yield

mb g F (0.40)(10 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 ) 100 N

ab k
6.1 m/s 2 .
mb 10 kg

The negative sign means that the acceleration is leftward. That is, ab ( 6.1 m/s 2 )iˆ

(b) We also obtain

mb g (0.40)(10 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )

as k
0.98 m/s 2 .
ms 40 kg

As mentioned above, this means it accelerates to the left. That is, as ( 0.98 m/s 2 )iˆ
 265

35. The free-body diagrams for the two blocks, treated individually, are shown below
(first m and then M). F' is the contact force between the two blocks, and the static friction
force f s is at its maximum value (so Eq. 6-1 leads to fs = fs,max = sF' where s = 0.38).

Treating the two blocks together as a single system (sliding across a frictionless floor),
we apply Newton’s second law (with +x rightward) to find an expression for the
acceleration:
F
F mtotal a a
m M

This is equivalent to having analyzed the two blocks individually and then combined
their equations. Now, when we analyze the small block individually, we apply Newton’s
second law to the x and y axes, substitute in the above expression for a, and use Eq. 6-1.

FG F IJ
F F ' ma F' F m
Hm MK
f s mg 0 s F ' mg 0

These expressions are combined (to eliminate F') and we arrive at

mg
F = 4.9 102 N .
FG1 m IJ
s
H m M K
2m g
36. Using Eq. 6-16, we solve for the area A which illustrates the inverse
C vt2
proportionality between the area and the speed-squared. Thus, when we set up a ratio of
areas – of the slower case to the faster case – we obtain

Aslow FG 310 km / h IJ 2

Afast H 160 km / h K 3.75.

266 CHAPTER 6

37. In the solution to exercise 4, we found that the force provided by the wind needed to
equal F = 157 N (where that last figure is not “significant’’).

(a) Setting F = D (for Drag force) we use Eq. 6-14 to find the wind speed v along the
ground (which actually is relative to the moving stone, but we assume the stone is
moving slowly enough that this does not invalidate the result):

2F 2(157 N)
v 90 m/s 3.2 102 km/h.
C A (0.80)(1.21 kg/m3 )(0.040 m2 )

(b) Doubling our previous result, we find the reported speed to be 6.5 102 km/h.

(c) The result is not reasonable for a terrestrial storm. A category 5 hurricane has speeds
on the order of 2.6 102 m/s.

38. (a) From Table 6-1 and Eq. 6-16, we have

2 Fg mg
vt C A 2
C A vt2

where vt = 60 m/s. We estimate the pilot’s mass at about m = 70 kg. Now, we convert v =
1300(1000/3600) 360 m/s and plug into Eq. 6-14:

D
1
C Av 2
1 FG
mg
2 2 v2
IJ F vI
mg G J
2

2 2 H
vt K Hv K
t

which yields D = (70 kg)(9.8 m/s2)(360/60)2 2 104 N.

(b) We assume the mass of the ejection seat is roughly equal to the mass of the pilot.
Thus, Newton’s second law (in the horizontal direction) applied to this system of mass
2m gives the magnitude of acceleration:

a
D g v FG IJ 2

18 g .
2m 2 vt H K
39. For the passenger jet Dj 1
2 C 1 Av 2j , and for the prop-driven transport Dt 1
2 C 2 Avt2 ,
where 1 and 2 represent the air density at 10 km and 5.0 km, respectively. Thus the
ratio in question is
2
Dj 2
1v j
0.38 kg/m3 1000 km/h
2 2
2.3.
Dt v
2 t 0.67 kg/m 3
500 km/h
 267

40. This problem involves Newton’s second law for motion along the slope.

(a) The force along the slope is given by

Fg mg sin FN mg sin mg cos mg (sin cos )

(85.0 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 ) sin 40.0 (0.04000) cos 40.0
510 N.

Thus, the terminal speed of the skier is

2 Fg 2(510 N)
vt 66.0 m/s.
C A (0.150)(1.20 kg/m3 )(1.30 m 2 )

(b) Differentiating vt with respect to C, we obtain

1 2 Fg 3/ 2 1 2(510 N) 3/ 2
dvt C dC (0.150) dC
2 A 2 (1.20 kg/m3 )(1.30 m 2 )
(2.20 102 m/s)dC.

41. Perhaps surprisingly, the equations pertaining to this situation are exactly those in
Sample Problem – “Car in flat circular turn,” although the logic is a little different. In the
Sample Problem, the car moves along a (stationary) road, whereas in this problem the cat
is stationary relative to the merry-go-around platform. But the static friction plays the
same role in both cases since the bottom-most point of the car tire is instantaneously at
rest with respect to the race track, just as static friction applies to the contact surface
between cat and platform. Using Eq. 6-23 with Eq. 4-35, we find

s = (2 R/T )2/gR = 4 2R/gT 2.

With T = 6.0 s and R = 5.4 m, we obtain s = 0.60.

42. The magnitude of the acceleration of the car as it rounds the curve is given by v2/R,
where v is the speed of the car and R is the radius of the curve. Since the road is
horizontal, only the frictional force of the road on the tires makes this acceleration
possible. The horizontal component of Newton’s second law is f = mv2/R. If FN is the
normal force of the road on the car and m is the mass of the car, the vertical component of
Newton’s second law leads to FN = mg. Thus, using Eq. 6-1, the maximum value of static
friction is
fs,max = s FN = smg.

If the car does not slip, f smg. This means

268 CHAPTER 6

v2
s g v s Rg .
R

Consequently, the maximum speed with which the car can round the curve without
slipping is

vmax s Rg (0.60)(30.5 m)(9.8 m/s2 ) 13 m/s 48 km/h.

43. The magnitude of the acceleration of the cyclist as it rounds the curve is given by v2/R,
where v is the speed of the cyclist and R is the radius of the curve. Since the road is
horizontal, only the frictional force of the road on the tires makes this acceleration
possible. The horizontal component of Newton’s second law is f = mv2/R. If FN is the
normal force of the road on the bicycle and m is the mass of the bicycle and rider, the
vertical component of Newton’s second law leads to FN = mg. Thus, using Eq. 6-1, the
maximum value of static friction is

fs,max = s FN = smg.

If the bicycle does not slip, f smg. This means

2
v v2
sg R .
R sg

Consequently, the minimum radius with which a cyclist moving at 29 km/h = 8.1 m/s can
round the curve without slipping is

v2 (8.1 m/s)2
Rmin 21 m.
sg (0.32)(9.8 m/s 2 )

44. With v = 96.6 km/h = 26.8 m/s, Eq. 6-17 readily yields

v2 (26.8 m/s)2
a 94.7 m/s 2
R 7.6 m

which we express as a multiple of g:

a 94.7 m/s 2
a g g 9.7 g.
g 9.80 m/s 2

45. THINK Ferris wheel ride is a vertical circular motion. The apparent weight of the
rider varies with his position.

EXPRESS The free-body diagrams of the student at the top and bottom of the Ferris
wheel are shown next:
 269

At the top (the highest point in the circular motion) the seat pushes up on the student with
a force of magnitude FN,top, while the Earth pulls down with a force of magnitude mg.
Newton’s second law for the radial direction gives
mv 2
mg FN ,top .
R
At the bottom of the ride, FN ,bottom is the magnitude of the upward force exerted by the
seat. The net force toward the center of the circle is (choosing upward as the positive
direction):
mv 2
FN ,bottom mg .
R

The Ferris wheel is “steadily rotating” so the value Fc mv 2 / R is the same everywhere.
The apparent weight of the student is given by FN .

ANALYZE (a) At the top, we are told that FN,top = 556 N and mg = 667 N. This means
that the seat is pushing up with a force that is smaller than the student’s weight, and we
say the student experiences a decrease in his “apparent weight” at the highest point. Thus,
he feels “light.”

(b) From (a), we find the centripetal force to be

mv 2
Fc mg FN ,top 667 N 556 N 111 N.
R

Thus, the normal force at the bottom is

mv 2
FN ,bottom mg Fc mg 111 N 667 N 778 N.
R

(c) If the speed is doubled,

m(2v)2
Fc 4(111 N) 444 N.
R

Therefore, at the highest point we have

270 CHAPTER 6

FN ,top mg Fc 667 N 444 N 223 N.

(d) Similarly, the normal force at the lowest point is now found to be

FN ,bottom Fc mg 444 N 667 N 1111 N.

LEARN The apparent weight of the student is the greatest at the bottom and smallest at
the top of the ride. The speed v gR would result in FN ,top 0 , giving the student a
sudden sensation of “weightlessness” at the top of the ride.

46. (a) We note that the speed 80.0 km/h in SI units is roughly 22.2 m/s. The horizontal
force that keeps her from sliding must equal the centripetal force (Eq. 6-18), and the
upward force on her must equal mg. Thus,

Fnet = (mg)2 + (mv2/R)2 = 547 N.

(b) The angle is

1
tan (mv2/R) (mg) = tan 1
v2/gR = 9.53º

as measured from a vertical axis.

47. (a) Eq. 4-35 gives T = 2 R/v = 2 (10 m)/(6.1 m/s) = 10 s.

(b) The situation is similar to that of Sample Problem – “Vertical circular loop, Diavolo,”
but with the normal force direction reversed. Adapting Eq. 6-19, we find

FN = m(g – v2/R) = 486 N 4.9 102 N.

(c) Now we reverse both the normal force direction and the acceleration direction (from
what is shown in Sample Problem – “Vertical circular loop, Diavolo”) and adapt Eq. 6-19
accordingly. Thus we obtain

FN = m(g + v2/R) = 1081 N 1.1 kN.

48. We will start by assuming that the normal force (on the car from the rail) points up.
Note that gravity points down, and the y axis is chosen positive upwards. Also, the
direction to the center of the circle (the direction of centripetal acceleration) is down.
Thus, Newton’s second law leads to
v2
FN mg m .
r

(a) When v = 11 m/s, we obtain FN = 3.7 103 N.

 271

(b) FN points upward.

(c) When v = 14 m/s, we obtain FN = –1.3 103 N, or | FN | = 1.3 103 N.

(d) The fact that this answer is negative means that FN points opposite to what we had
assumed. Thus, the magnitude of FN is | FN | 1.3 kN and its direction is down.

49. At the top of the hill, the situation is similar to that of Sample Problem – “Vertical
circular loop, Diavolo,” but with the normal force direction reversed. Adapting Eq. 6-19,
we find
FN = m(g – v2/R).

Since FN = 0 there (as stated in the problem) then v2 = gR. Later, at the bottom of the
valley, we reverse both the normal force direction and the acceleration direction (from
what is shown in the Sample Problem) and adapt Eq. 6-19 accordingly. Thus we obtain

FN = m(g + v2/R) = 2mg = 1372 N 1.37 103 N.

50. The centripetal force on the passenger is F mv 2 / r .

(a) The slope of the plot at v 8.30 m/s is

dF 2mv 2(85.0 kg)(8.30 m/s)

403 N s/m.
dv v 8.30 m/s r v 8.30 m/s 3.50 m

(b) The period of the circular ride is T 2 r / v . Thus,

2
mv 2 m 2 r 4 2
mr
F 2
,
r r T T

and the variation of F with respect to T while holding r constant is

8 2 mr
dF dT .
T3
The slope of the plot at T 2.50 s is

dF 8 2 mr 8 2
(85.0 kg)(3.50 m)
1.50 103 N/s.
dT T 2.50 s T3 T 2.50 s (2.50 s)3

51. THINK An airplane with its wings tilted at an angle is in a circular motion.
Centripetal force is involved in this problem.
272 CHAPTER 6

EXPRESS The free-body diagram for the airplane of mass m

is shown to the right. We note that Fl is the force of
aerodynamic lift and a points rightwards in the figure. We
also note that | a| v 2 / R . Applying Newton’s law to the axes
of the problem (+x rightward and +y upward) we obtain
v2
Fl sin m
R
Fl cos mg
v2
Eliminating mass from these equations leads to tan . The equation allows us to
gR
solve for the radius R.

ANALYZE With v = 480 km/h = 133 m/s and = 40°, we find

v2 (133 m/s) 2
R 2151 m 2.2 103 m .
g tan (9.8 m/s 2 ) tan 40

LEARN Our approach to solving this problem is identical to that discussed in the Sample
Problem – “Car in banked circular turn.” Do you see the similarities?

52. The situation is somewhat similar to that shown in the “loop-the-loop” example done
in the textbook (see Figure 6-10) except that, instead of a downward normal force, we are
dealing with the force of the boom FB on the car – which is capable of pointing any
direction. We will assume it to be upward as we apply Newton’s second law to the car (of
total weight 5000 N): FB W ma where m W / g and a v2 / r . Note that the
centripetal acceleration is downward (our choice for negative direction) for a body at the
top of its circular trajectory.

(a) If r = 10 m and v = 5.0 m/s, we obtain FB = 3.7 103 N = 3.7 kN.

(b) The direction of FB is up.

(c) If r = 10 m and v = 12 m/s, we obtain FB = – 2.3 103 N = – 2.3 kN, or |FB | = 2.3 kN.

(d) The minus sign indicates that FB points downward.

53. The free-body diagram (for the hand straps of mass m) is the view that a passenger
might see if she was looking forward and the streetcar was curving towards the right (so
a points rightwards in the figure). We note that | a| v 2 / R where v = 16 km/h = 4.4 m/s.

Applying Newton’s law to the axes of the problem (+x is rightward and +y is upward) we
obtain
 273

v2
T sin m
R
T cos mg.

We solve these equations for the angle:

tan 1
FG IJ
v2
RgH K
which yields = 12°.

54. The centripetal force on the passenger is F mv 2 / r .

mv 2
(a) The variation of F with respect to r while holding v constant is dF dr .
r2

2mv
(b) The variation of F with respect to v while holding r constant is dF dv .
r

(c) The period of the circular ride is T 2 r / v . Thus,

2
mv 2 m 2 r 4 2
mr
F 2
,
r r T T

and the variation of F with respect to T while holding r constant is

3
8 2 mr 2 v mv3
dF dT 8 mr dT dT .
T3 2 r r2

1
55. We note that the period T is eight times the time between flashes ( 2000 s), so T =
0.0040 s. Combining Eq. 6-18 with Eq. 4-35 leads to

4m 2R 4(0.030 kg) 2(0.035 m)

F= 2 = 2 = 2.6 103 N .
T (0.0040 s)

56. We refer the reader to Sample Problem – “Car in banked circular turn,” and use the
result Eq. 6-26:

tan 1
v2 FG IJ
gR H K
with v = 60(1000/3600) = 17 m/s and R = 200 m. The banking angle is therefore = 8.1°.
Now we consider a vehicle taking this banked curve at v' = 40(1000/3600) = 11 m/s. Its
274 CHAPTER 6

(horizontal) acceleration is a v 2 / R , which has components parallel the incline and

perpendicular to it:
v 2 cos
a| | a cos
R
2
v sin
a a sin .
R

These enter Newton’s second law as follows (choosing downhill as the +x direction and
away-from-incline as +y):
mg sin f s ma| |
FN mg cos ma
and we are led to
fs mg sin mv 2 cos / R
.
FN mg cos mv 2 sin / R

We cancel the mass and plug in, obtaining fs/FN = 0.078. The problem implies we should
set fs = fs,max so that, by Eq. 6-1, we have s = 0.078.

57. For the puck to remain at rest the magnitude of the tension force T of the cord must
equal the gravitational force Mg on the cylinder. The tension force supplies the
centripetal force that keeps the puck in its circular orbit, so T = mv2/r. Thus Mg = mv2/r.
We solve for the speed:

Mgr (2.50 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 )(0.200 m)

v 1.81 m/s.
m 1.50 kg

58. (a) Using the kinematic equation given in Table 2-1, the deceleration of the car is

v2 v02 2ad 0 (35 m/s)2 2a(107 m)

which gives a 5.72 m/s2 . Thus, the force of friction required to stop by car is

f m | a | (1400 kg)(5.72 m/s2 ) 8.0 103 N.

(b) The maximum possible static friction is

f s ,max s mg (0.50)(1400 kg)(9.80 m/s2 ) 6.9 103 N.

(c) If k 0.40 , then f k k mg and the deceleration is a k g . Therefore, the speed

of the car when it hits the wall is
 275

v v02 2ad (35 m/s)2 2(0.40)(9.8 m/s2 )(107 m) 20 m/s.

(d) The force required to keep the motion circular is

mv02 (1400 kg)(35.0 m/s)2

Fr 1.6 104 N.
r 107 m

(e) Since Fr f s ,max , no circular path is possible.

59. THINK As illustrated in Fig. 6-45, our system consists of a ball connected by two
strings to a rotating rod. The tensions in the strings provide the source of centripetal force.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram for the ball is shown below. Tu is the tension exerted
by the upper string on the ball, T is the tension in the lower string, and m is the mass of
the ball. Note that the tension in the upper string is greater than the tension in the lower
string. It must balance the downward pull of gravity and the force of the lower string.

We take the +x direction to be leftward (toward the center of the circular orbit) and +y
upward. Since the magnitude of the acceleration is a = v2/R, the x component of
Newton’s second law is
mv 2
Tu cos T cos ,
R

where v is the speed of the ball and R is the radius of its orbit. The y component is

Tu sin T sin mg 0.

The second equation gives the tension in the lower string: T Tu mg / sin .

ANALYZE (a) Since the triangle is equilateral, the angle is = 30.0°. Thus

mg (1.34 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 )

T Tu 35.0 N 8.74 N.
sin sin 30.0
276 CHAPTER 6

(b) The net force in the y-direction is zero. In the x-direction, the net force has magnitude

Fnet,str Tu T cos (35.0 N 8.74 N) cos30.0 37.9 N.

(c) The radius of the path is

R L cos (1.70 m)cos30 1.47 m.

Using Fnet,str = mv2/R, we find the speed of the ball to be

RFnet,str (1.47 m)(37.9 N)

v 6.45 m/s.
m 1.34 kg

(d) The direction of Fnet,str is leftward (“radially inward’’).

LEARN The upper string, with a tension about 4 times that in the lower string ( Tu 4T ),
will break more easily than the lower one.

60. The free-body diagrams for the two boxes are shown below. T is the magnitude of the
force in the rod (when T > 0 the rod is said to be in tension and when T < 0 the rod is
under compression), FN 2 is the normal force on box 2 (the uncle box), FN 1 is the the
normal force on the aunt box (box 1), f 1 is kinetic friction force on the aunt box, and f 2
is kinetic friction force on the uncle box. Also, m1 = 1.65 kg is the mass of the aunt box
and m2 = 3.30 kg is the mass of the uncle box (which is a lot of ants!).

For each block we take +x downhill (which is toward the lower-right in these diagrams)
and +y in the direction of the normal force. Applying Newton’s second law to the x and y
directions of first box 2 and next box 1, we arrive at four equations:

m2 g sin f2 T m2 a
FN 2 m2 g cos 0
m1 g sin f1 T m1a
FN 1 m1 g cos 0
 277

which, when combined with Eq. 6-2 (f1 = 1FN1 where 1 = 0.226 and f2 = 2FN2 where
2 = 0.113), fully describe the dynamics of the system.

(a) We solve the above equations for the tension and obtain

T
FG m m g IJ (
2 1
) cos 105
. N.
Hm m K
2 1
1 2

(b) These equations lead to an acceleration equal to

F FG m2 1m1
IJ I
a GH
g sin
H
2
m2 m1
cos
K JK 3.62 m / s2 .

(c) Reversing the blocks is equivalent to switching the labels. We see from our algebraic
result in part (a) that this gives a negative value for T (equal in magnitude to the result we
got before). Thus, the situation is as it was before except that the rod is now in a state of
compression.

61. THINK Our system consists of two blocks, one on top of the other. If we pull the
bottom block too hard, the top block will slip on the bottom one. We’re interested in the
maximum force that can be applied such that the two will move together.

EXPRESS The free-body diagrams for the two blocks are shown below.

We first calculate the coefficient of static friction for the surface between the two blocks.
When the force applied is at a maximum, the frictional force between the two blocks
must also be a maximum. Since Ft 12 N of force has to be applied to the top block for
slipping to take place, using Ft f s ,max s FN ,t s mt g , we have

Ft 12 N
s 0.31 .
mt g (4.0 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )
278 CHAPTER 6

Using the same reasoning, for the two masses to move together, the maximum applied
force would be
F s (mt mb ) g

ANALYZE (a) Substituting the value of s found above, the maximum horizontal force
has a magnitude
F s (mt mb ) g (0.31)(4.0 kg 5.0 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 ) 27 N

(b) The maximum acceleration is

F
amax s g (0.31)(9.8 m/s 2 ) 3.0 m/s 2 .
mt mb

LEARN Slipping will occur if the applied force exceeds 27.3 N. In the absence of
friction ( s 0 ) between the two blocks, any amount of force would cause the top block
to slip.

62. The free-body diagram for the stone is shown to the right,
with F being the force applied to the stone, FN the downward
normal force of the ceiling on the stone, mg the force of gravity,
and f the force of friction. We take the +x direction to be
horizontal to the right and the +y direction to be up. The
equations for the x and the y components of the force according
to Newton’s second law are:

Fx F cos f ma
Fy F sin FN mg 0

Now f k FN , and the second equation gives FN F sin mg , which yields

f k ( F sin mg ) . This expression is substituted for f in the first equation to obtain

F cos – k (F sin mg ) = ma.

For a 0 , the force is
k mg
F .
cos k sin

With k= 0.65, m =5.0 kg, and = 70º, we obtain F = 118 N.

63. (a) The free-body diagram for the person (shown as an L-shaped block) is shown
below. The force that she exerts on the rock slabs is not directly shown (since the
diagram should only show forces exerted on her), but it is related by Newton’s third law)
to the normal forces FN 1 and FN 2 exerted horizontally by the slabs onto her shoes and
 279

back, respectively. We will show in part (b) that FN1 = FN2 so that we there is no
ambiguity in saying that the magnitude of her push is FN2. The total upward force due to
(maximum) static friction is f f1 f 2 where f1 s1 FN 1 and f 2 s 2 FN 2 . The

problem gives the values s1 = 1.2 and s2 = 0.8.

(b) We apply Newton’s second law to the x and y axes (with +x rightward and +y upward
and there is no acceleration in either direction).

FN 1 FN 2 0
f1 f2 mg 0

The first equation tells us that the normal forces are equal FN1 = FN2 = FN. Consequently,
from Eq. 6-1,
f1 s 1 FN

f2 s2 FN
we conclude that
s1
f1 f2 .
s2

Therefore, f1 + f2 – mg = 0 leads to

s1
1 f2 mg
s2

which (with m = 49 kg) yields f2 = 192 N. From this we find FN f2 / s2 240 N. This
is equal to the magnitude of the push exerted by the rock climber.

(c) From the above calculation, we find f1 s1 FN 288 N which amounts to a fraction

f1 288
0.60
W b gb g
49 9.8
or 60% of her weight.
280 CHAPTER 6

64. (a) The upward force exerted by the car on the passenger is equal to the downward
force of gravity (W = 500 N) on the passenger. So the net force does not have a vertical
contribution; it only has the contribution from the horizontal force (which is necessary for
maintaining the circular motion). Thus Fnet F 210 N.

(b) Using Eq. 6-18, we have

FR (210 N)(470 m)
v 44.0 m/s.
m 51.0 kg

65. The layer of ice has a mass of

mice 917 kg/m3 (400 m 500 m 0.0040 m) 7.34 105 kg.

This added to the mass of the hundred stones (at 20 kg each) comes to m = 7.36 105 kg.

(a) Setting F = D (for Drag force) we use Eq. 6-14 to find the wind speed v along the
ground (which actually is relative to the moving stone, but we assume the stone is
moving slowly enough that this does not invalidate the result):

mgk
0.10 7.36 105 kg 9.8 m/s 2
v 19 m/s 69 km/h.
4Cice Aice 4 0.002 1.21 kg/m3 400 500 m2

(b) Doubling our previous result, we find the reported speed to be 139 km/h.

(c) The result is reasonable for storm winds. (A category-5 hurricane has speeds on the
order of 2.6 102 m/s.)

66. Note that since no static friction coefficient is mentioned, we assume fs is not relevant
to this computation. We apply Newton's second law to each block's x axis, which for m1
is positive rightward and for m2 is positive downhill:

T – fk = m1a
m2g sin – T = m2a

Adding the equations, we obtain the acceleration:

m2 g sin fk
a
m1 m2
For fk = kFN = k m1g, we obtain
 281

(3.0 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )sin 30 (0.25)(2.0 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )

a 1.96 m/s 2 .
3.0 kg 2.0 kg

Returning this value to either of the above two equations, we find T = 8.8 N.

67. Each side of the trough exerts a normal force on the crate. The first diagram shows
the view looking in toward a cross section.

The net force is along the dashed line. Since each of the normal forces makes an angle of
45° with the dashed line, the magnitude of the resultant normal force is given by

FNr 2FN cos 45 2 FN .

The second diagram is the free-body diagram for the crate (from a “side” view, similar to
that shown in the first picture in Fig. 6-51). The force of gravity has magnitude mg,
where m is the mass of the crate, and the magnitude of the force of friction is denoted by f.
We take the +x direction to be down the incline and +y to be in the direction of FNr . Then
the x and the y components of Newton’s second law are

x: mg sin – f = ma
y: FNr – mg cos = 0.

Since the crate is moving, each side of the trough exerts a force of kinetic friction, so the
total frictional force has magnitude

f 2 k FN 2 k FNr / 2 2 k FNr

Combining this expression with FNr = mg cos and substituting into the x component
equation, we obtain
mg sin 2mg cos ma .

Therefore a g(sin 2 k cos ) .

68. (a) To be on the verge of sliding out means that the force of static friction is acting
“down the bank” (in the sense explained in the problem statement) with maximum
282 CHAPTER 6

possible magnitude. We first consider the vector sum F of the (maximum) static
friction force and the normal force. Due to the facts that they are perpendicular and their
magnitudes are simply proportional (Eq. 6-1), we find F is at angle (measured from the
vertical axis) = + s, where tan s = s (compare with Eq. 6-13), and is the bank
angle (as stated in the problem). Now, the vector sum of F and the vertically downward
pull (mg) of gravity must be equal to the (horizontal) centripetal force (mv2/R), which
leads to a surprisingly simple relationship:
mv 2 / R v 2
tan = .
mg Rg

Writing this as an expression for the maximum speed, we have

1 Rg (tan s )
vmax Rg tan( tan s )
1 s tan

(b) The graph is shown below (with in radians):

(c) Either estimating from the graph ( s = 0.60, upper curve) or calculated it more
carefully leads to v = 41.3 m/s = 149 km/h when = 10º = 0.175 radian.

(d) Similarly (for s = 0.050, the lower curve) we find v = 21.2 m/s = 76.2 km/h when =
10º = 0.175 radian.

69. For simplicity, we denote the 70° angle as and the magnitude of the push (80 N) as
P. The vertical forces on the block are the downward normal force exerted on it by the
ceiling, the downward pull of gravity (of magnitude mg) and the vertical component of
P (which is upward with magnitude P sin ). Since there is no acceleration in the vertical
direction, we must have
FN P sin mg

in which case the leftward-pointed kinetic friction has magnitude

 283

fk k ( P sin mg).

Choosing +x rightward, Newton’s second law leads to

P cos uk ( P sin mg )
P cos fk ma a
m

which yields a = 3.4 m/s2 when k = 0.40 and m = 5.0 kg.

70. (a) We note that R (the horizontal distance from the bob to the axis of rotation) is the
circumference of the circular path divided by 2 ; therefore, R = 0.94/2 = 0.15 m. The
angle that the cord makes with the horizontal is now easily found:

= cos 1(R/L) = cos 1(0.15 m/0.90 m) = 80º.

The vertical component of the force of tension in the string is Tsin and must equal the
downward pull of gravity (mg). Thus,
mg
T 0.40 N .
sin

Note that we are using T for tension (not for the period).

(b) The horizontal component of that tension must supply the centripetal force (Eq. 6-18),
so we have Tcos = mv2/R. This gives speed v = 0.49 m/s. This divided into the
circumference gives the time for one revolution: 0.94/0.49 = 1.9 s.

71. (a) To be “on the verge of sliding” means the applied force is equal to the maximum
possible force of static friction (Eq. 6-1, with FN = mg in this case):

fs,max = smg = 35.3 N.

(b) In this case, the applied force F indirectly decreases the maximum possible value of
friction (since its y component causes a reduction in the normal force) as well as directly
opposing the friction force itself (because of its x component). The normal force turns
out to be
FN = mg – Fsin

where = 60º, so that the horizontal equation (the x application of Newton’s second law)
becomes
Fcos – fs,max = Fcos – s(mg – Fsin ) = 0 F 39.7 N.

(c) Now, the applied force F indirectly increases the maximum possible value of friction
(since its y component causes a reduction in the normal force) as well as directly
opposing the friction force itself (because of its x component). The normal force in this
case turns out to be
284 CHAPTER 6

FN = mg + Fsin ,

where = 60º, so that the horizontal equation becomes

Fcos – fs,max = Fcos – s(mg + Fsin ) = 0 F 320 N.

72. With = 40º, we apply Newton’s second law to the “downhill” direction:

mg sin – f = ma,
f = fk = k FN = k mg cos

using Eq. 6-12. Thus,

a = 0.75 m/s2 = g(sin – k cos )

determines the coefficient of kinetic friction: k= 0.74.

73. (a) With = 60º, we apply Newton’s second law to the “downhill” direction:

mg sin – f = ma
f = fk = k FN = k mg cos .

Thus,
a = g(sin – k cos ) = 7.5 m/s2.

(b) The direction of the acceleration a is down the slope.

(c) Now the friction force is in the “downhill” direction (which is our positive direction)
so that we obtain
a = g(sin + k cos ) = 9.5 m/s2.

(d) The direction is down the slope.

74. The free-body diagram for the puck is shown on the right.
FN is the normal force of the ice on the puck, f is the force of
friction (in the –x direction), and mg is the force of gravity.

(a) The horizontal component of Newton’s second law gives –f

= ma, and constant acceleration kinematics (Table 2-1) can be
used to find the acceleration.

Since the final velocity is zero, v 2 v02 2ax leads to a v02 / 2 x . This is substituted
into the Newton’s law equation to obtain
 285

2
mv02 0.110 kg 6.0 m/s
f 0.13 N.
2x 2 15 m

(b) The vertical component of Newton’s second law gives FN – mg = 0, so FN = mg which

implies (using Eq. 6-2) f = k mg. We solve for the coefficient:

f 0.13 N
k 0.12 .
mg 0.110 kg (9.8 m/s 2 )

75. We may treat all 25 cars as a single object of mass m = 25 5.0 104 kg and (when
the speed is 30 km/h = 8.3 m/s) subject to a friction force equal to

f = 25 250 8.3 = 5.2 104 N.

(a) Along the level track, this object experiences a “forward” force T exerted by the
locomotive, so that Newton’s second law leads to

T f ma T 5.2 104 (1.25 106 )(0.20) 3.0 105 N .

(b) The free-body diagram is shown next, with as the angle of the
incline. The +x direction (which is the only direction to which we will
be applying Newton’s second law) is uphill (to the upper right in our
sketch). Thus, we obtain
T f mg sin = ma

where we set a = 0 (implied by the problem statement) and solve for

the angle. We obtain = 1.2°.

76. An excellent discussion and equation development related to this

problem is given in Sample Problem – “Friction, applied force at an angle.” Using the
result, we obtain

1
tan s tan 1 0.50 27

which implies that the angle through which the slope should be reduced is

= 45° – 27° 20°.

77. We make use of Eq. 6-16 which yields

2mg 2(6)(9.8)
= = 147 m/s.
C R2 (1.6)(1.2) (0.03)2
286 CHAPTER 6

78. (a) The coefficient of static friction is s = tan( slip) = 0.577 0.58 .

(b) Using
mg sin – f = ma
f = fk = k FN = k mg cos

and a = 2d/t2 (with d = 2.5 m and t = 4.0 s), we obtain k = 0.54.

79. THINK We have two blocks connected by a cord, as shown in Fig. 6-56. As block A
slides down the frictionless inclined plane, it pulls block B, so there’s a tension in the
cord.

EXPRESS The free-body diagrams for blocks A and B are shown below:

Newton’s law gives

mA g sin T mAa

for block A (where = 30º). For block B, we have

T fk mB a
Now the frictional force is given by f k k FN , B k mB g . The equations allow us to
solve for the tension T and the acceleration a.

ANALYZE (a) Combining the above equations to solve for T, we obtain

mA mB (4.0 kg)(2.0 kg)

T sin k g sin 30 0.50 (9.80 m/s 2 ) 13 N.
mA mB 4.0 kg 2.0 kg

(b) Similarly, the acceleration of the two-block system is

mA sin k mB (4.0 kg)sin 30 (0.50)(2.0 kg)

a g (9.80 m/s 2 ) 1.6 m/s 2 .
mA mB 4.0 kg 2.0 kg

LEARN In the case where 90 and k 0 , we have

 287

mAmB mA
T g, a g
mA mB mA mB

which correspond to the Sample Problem – “Block on table, block hanging,” discussed in
Chapter 5.

80. We use Eq. 6-14, D 21 C Av 2 , where is the air density, A is the cross-sectional
area of the missile, v is the speed of the missile, and C is the drag coefficient. The area is
given by A = R2, where R = 0.265 m is the radius of the missile. Thus

D
1
2
c . kg / m3
(0.75) 12 h b0.265 mg b250 m / sg
2 2
6.2 103 N.

81. THINK How can a cyclist move in a circle? It is the force of friction that provides
the centripetal force required for the circular motion.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram is shown below. The magnitude of the acceleration of
the cyclist as it moves along the horizontal circular path is given by v2/R, where v is the
speed of the cyclist and R is the radius of the curve.

The horizontal component of Newton’s second law is fs = mv2/R, where fs is the static
friction exerted horizontally by the ground on the tires. Similarly, if FN is the vertical
force of the ground on the bicycle and m is the mass of the bicycle and rider, the vertical
component of Newton’s second law leads to FN mg 833 N .

2
mv 2 85.0 kg 9.00 m/s
ANALYZE (a) The frictional force is f s 275 N.
R 25.0 m

(b) Since the frictional force f s and FN , the normal force exerted by the road, are
perpendicular to each other, the magnitude of the force exerted by the ground on the
bicycle is
F f s2 FN2 (275 N)2 (833 N)2 877 N.
288 CHAPTER 6

LEARN The force exerted by the ground on the bicycle is at an angle

tan 1 (275 N / 833 N) 18.3 with respect to the vertical axis.

82. At the top of the hill the vertical forces on the car are the upward normal force
exerted by the ground and the downward pull of gravity. Designating +y downward, we
have
mv 2
mg FN
R

from Newton’s second law. To find the greatest speed without leaving the hill, we set FN
= 0 and solve for v:

v gR (9.8 m/s2 )(250 m) 49.5 m/s = 49.5(3600/1000) km/h = 178 km/h.

83. (a) The push (to get it moving) must be at least as big as fs,max = s FN (Eq. 6-1, with
FN = mg in this case), which equals (0.51)(165 N) = 84.2 N.

(b) While in motion, constant velocity (zero acceleration) is maintained if the push is
equal to the kinetic friction force fk = k FN = k mg = 52.8 N.

(c) We note that the mass of the crate is 165/9.8 = 16.8 kg. The acceleration, using the
push from part (a), is
a = (84.2 N – 52.8 N)/(16.8 kg) 1.87 m/s2.

84. (a) The x component of F tries to move the crate while its y component indirectly
contributes to the inhibiting effects of friction (by increasing the normal force).
Newton’s second law implies

x direction: Fcos – fs = 0
y direction: FN – Fsin – mg = 0.

To be “on the verge of sliding” means fs = fs,max = sFN (Eq. 6-1). Solving these
equations for F (actually, for the ratio of F to mg) yields

F s
.
mg cos s sin

This is plotted on the right ( in degrees).

(b) The denominator of our expression (for F/mg)

vanishes when
 289

1 1
cos s sin 0 inf tan
s

1 1
For 0.70 , we obtain inf tan 55 .
s
s

(c) Reducing the coefficient means increasing the angle by the condition in part (b).

1 1
(d) For 0.60 we have inf tan 59 .
s
s

85. The car is in “danger of sliding” down when

s tan tan 35.0 0.700.

This value represents a 3.4% decrease from the given 0.725 value.

86. (a) The tension will be the greatest at the lowest point of the swing. Note that there is
no substantive difference between the tension T in this problem and the normal force FN
in Sample Problem – “Vertical circular loop, Diavolo.” Eq. 6-19 of that Sample Problem
examines the situation at the top of the circular path (where FN is the least), and rewriting
that for the bottom of the path leads to
T = mg + mv2/r

where FN is at its greatest value.

(b) At the breaking point T = 33 N = m(g + v2/r) where m = 0.26 kg and r = 0.65 m.
Solving for the speed, we find that the cord should break when the speed (at the lowest
point) reaches 8.73 m/s.

87. THINK A car is making a turn on an unbanked curve. Friction is what provides the
centripetal force needed for this circular motion.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram is shown to the

right. The mass of the car is m = (10700/9.80) kg =
1.09 103 kg. We choose “inward” (horizontally
toward the center of the circular path) as the positive
direction. The normal force is FN = mg in this
situation, and the required frictional force is
f s mv 2 / R.

ANALYZE (a) With a speed of v = 13.4 m/s and a

radius R = 61 m, Newton’s second law (using Eq. 6-18) leads to
290 CHAPTER 6

mv 2 (1.09 103 kg)(13.4 m/s) 2

fs 3.21 103 N .
R 61.0 m

(b) The maximum possible static friction is found to be

f s ,max s mg 0.35 10700 N 3.75 103 N

using Eq. 6-1. We see that the static friction found in part (a) is less than this, so the car
rolls (no skidding) and successfully negotiates the curve.

LEARN From the above expressions, we see that with a coefficient of friction s , the
maximum speed of the car negotiating a curve of radius R is vmax s gR . So in this
case, the car can go up to a maximum speed of

vmax (0.35)(9.8 m/s2 )(61 m) 14.5 m/s

without skidding.

88. For the m2 = 1.0 kg block, application of Newton's laws result in

F cos T fk m2 a x axis
FN F sin m2 g 0 y axis

Since fk = k FN, these equations can be combined into an equation to solve for a:

F (cos k sin ) T k m2 g m2a

Similarly (but without the applied push) we analyze the m1= 2.0 kg block:

T fk m1a x axis
FN m1 g 0 y axis

Using fk = k FN , the equations can be combined:

T k m1 g m1a

Subtracting the two equations for a and solving for the tension, we obtain

m1 (cos k sin ) (2.0 kg)[cos35 (0.20)sin 35 ]

T F (20 N) 9.4 N.
m1 m2 2.0 kg 1.0 kg

89. THINK In order to move a filing cabinet, the force applied must be able to overcome
the frictional force.
 291

EXPRESS We apply Newton’s second law (as Fpush – f = ma). If we find the applied
force Fpush to be less than f s ,max , the maximum static frictional force, our conclusion
would then be “no, the cabinet does not move” (which means a is actually 0 and the
frictional force is simply f = Fpush). On the other hand, if we obtain a > 0 then the cabinet
moves (so f = fk). For f s ,max and fk we use Eq. 6-1 and Eq. 6-2 (respectively), and in
those formulas we set the magnitude of the normal force to the weight of the
cabinet: FN mg 556 N . Thus, the maximum static frictional force is

f s ,max s FN s mg (0.68)(556 N) 378 N .

and the kinetic frictional force is

fk k FN k mg (0.56)(556 N) 311 N .

ANALYZE (a) Here we find Fpush < f s ,max which leads to f = Fpush = 222 N. The cabinet
does not move.

(b) Again we find Fpush < f s ,max which leads to f = Fpush = 334 N. The cabinet does not
move.

(c) Now we have Fpush > f s ,max which means the cabinet moves and f = fk = 311 N.

(d) Again we have Fpush > f s ,max which means the cabinet moves and f = fk = 311 N.

(e) The cabinet moves in (c) and (d).

LEARN In summary, in order to make the cabinet move, the minimum applied force is
equal to the maximum static frictional force f s ,max .

90. Analysis of forces in the horizontal direction (where there can be no acceleration)
leads to the conclusion that F = FN; the magnitude of the normal force is 60 N. The
maximum possible static friction force is therefore sFN = 33 N, and the kinetic friction
force (when applicable) is kFN = 23 N.

(a) In this case, P = 34 N upward. Assuming f points down, then Newton's second
law for the y leads to
P – mg – f = ma .

if we assume f = fs and a = 0, we obtain f = (34 – 22) N = 12 N. This is less than fs, max,
which shows the consistency of our assumption. The answer is: fs = 12 N down.
292 CHAPTER 6

(b) In this case, P = 12 N upward. The above equation, with the same assumptions as in
part (a), leads to f = (12 – 22) N = –10 N. Thus, | fs | < fs, max, justifying our assumption
that the block is stationary, but its negative value tells us that our initial assumption about
the direction of f is incorrect in this case. Thus, the answer is: fs = 10 N up.

(c) In this case, P = 48 N upward. The above equation, with the same assumptions as in
part (a), leads to f = (48 – 22) N = 26 N. Thus, we again have fs < fs, max, and our answer
is: fs = 26 N down.

(d) In this case, P = 62 N upward. The above equation, with the same assumptions as in
part (a), leads to f = (62 – 22) N = 40 N, which is larger than fs, max, -- invalidating our
assumptions. Therefore, we take f = fk and a 0 in the above equation; if we wished to
find the value of a we would find it to be positive, as we should expect. The answer is:
fk = 23 N down.

(e) In this case, P = 10 N downward. The above equation (but with P replaced with -P)
with the same assumptions as in part (a), leads to f = (–10 – 22) N = –32 N. Thus, we
have | fs | < fs, max, justifying our assumption that the block is stationary, but its negative
value tells us that our initial assumption about the direction of f is incorrect in this case.
Thus, the answer is: fs = 32 N up.

(f) In this case, P = 18 N downward. The above equation (but with P replaced with –P)
with the same assumptions as in part (a), leads to f = (–18 – 22) N = –40 N, which is
larger (in absolute value) than fs, max, -- invalidating our assumptions. Therefore, we take
f = fk and a 0 in the above equation; if we wished to find the value of a we would find it
to be negative, as we should expect. The answer is: fk = 23 N up.

(g) The block moves up the wall in case (d) where a > 0.

(h) The block moves down the wall in case (f) where a < 0.

(i) The frictional force fs is directed down in cases (a), (c) and (d).

91. THINK Whether the block is sliding down or up the incline, there is a frictional force
in the opposite direction of the motion.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram for the first part of this problem (when the block is
sliding downhill with zero acceleration) is shown next.
 293

Newton’s second law gives

mg sin fk mg sin k FN max 0

mg cos FN ma y 0

The two equations can be combined to give

tan .
k
Now (for the second part of the problem, with the
block projected uphill) the friction direction is
reversed (see figure to the right). Newton’s second
law for the uphill motion (and Eq. 6-12) leads to

mg sin fk mg sin k FN max

mg cos FN ma y 0

Note that by our convention, ax 0 means that the acceleration is downhill, and
therefore, the speed of the block will decrease as it moves up the incline.

ANALYZE (a) Using k tan and FN mg cos , we find the x-component of the
acceleration to be
k FN (tan )(mg cos )
ax g sin g sin 2 g sin .
m m

The distance the block travels before coming to a stop can be found by using Eq. 2-16:
v2f v02 2ax x , which yields
v02 v02 v02
x .
2a x 2(2 g sin ) 4 g sin

(b) We usually expect s > k (see the discussion in Section 6-1). The “angle of repose”
(the minimum angle necessary for a stationary block to start sliding downhill) is s =
tan( repose). Therefore, we expect repose > found in part (a). Consequently, when the
block comes to rest, the incline is not steep enough to cause it to start slipping down the
incline again.

LEARN An alternative way to see that the block will not slide down again is to note that
the downward force of gravitation is not large enough to overcome the force of friction,
i.e., mg sin f k f s ,max .
294 CHAPTER 6

92. Consider that the car is “on the verge of sliding out” – meaning that the force of static
friction is acting “down the bank” (or “downhill” from the point of view of an ant on the
banked curve) with maximum possible magnitude. We first consider the vector sum F
of the (maximum) static friction force and the normal force. Due to the facts that they are
perpendicular and their magnitudes are simply proportional (Eq. 6-1), we find F is at
angle (measured from the vertical axis) = + s where tan s = s (compare with Eq. 6-
13), and is the bank angle. Now, the vector sum of F and the vertically downward pull
(mg) of gravity must be equal to the (horizontal) centripetal force (mv2/R), which leads to
a surprisingly simple relationship:

mv2/R v2
tan = mg = Rg .

Writing this as an expression for the maximum speed, we have

1 Rg (tan s )
vmax Rg tan( tan s ) .
1 s tan

(a) We note that the given speed is (in SI units) roughly 17 m/s. If we do not want the
cars to “depend” on the static friction to keep from sliding out (that is, if we want the
component “down the back” of gravity to be sufficient), then we can set s = 0 in the
above expression and obtain v Rg tan . With R = 150 m, this leads to = 11 .

(b) If, however, the curve is not banked (so = 0) then the above expression becomes

1
v Rg tan(tan s ) Rg s

Solving this for the coefficient of static friction s = 0.19.

93. (a) The box doesn’t move until t = 2.8 s, which is when the applied force F reaches a
magnitude of F = (1.8)(2.8) = 5.0 N, implying therefore that fs, max = 5.0 N. Analysis of
the vertical forces on the block leads to the observation that the normal force magnitude
equals the weight FN = mg = 15 N. Thus,

s = fs, max/FN = 0.34.

(b) We apply Newton’s second law to the horizontal x axis (positive in the direction of
motion):
F f k ma 18
. t f k 15 . 12. t 2.4 b gb g
Thus, we find fk = 3.6 N. Therefore, k = fk / FN = 0.24.
 295

94. In the figure below, m = 140/9.8 = 14.3 kg is the mass of the child. We use wx and
wy as the components of the gravitational pull of Earth on the block; their magnitudes
are wx = mg sin and wy = mg cos .

(a) With the x axis directed up along the incline (so that a = –0.86 m/s2), Newton’s
second law leads to

f k 140 sin 25 m( 086

. )

which yields fk = 47 N. We also apply Newton’s second law to the y axis (perpendicular
to the incline surface), where the acceleration-component is zero:

FN 140cos 25 0 FN 127 N.

Therefore, k = fk/FN = 0.37.

(b) Returning to our first equation in part (a), we see that if the downhill component of
the weight force were insufficient to overcome static friction, the child would not slide at
all. Therefore, we require 140 sin 25° > fs,max = s FN, which leads to tan 25° = 0.47 > s.
The minimum value of s equals k and is more subtle; reference to §6-1 is recommended.
If k exceeded s then when static friction were overcome (as the incline is raised) then it
should start to move – which is impossible if fk is large enough to cause deceleration! The
bounds on s are therefore given by 0.47 > s > .

95. (a) The x component of F contributes to the motion of the crate while its y
component indirectly contributes to the inhibiting effects of friction (by increasing the
normal force). Along the y direction, we have FN – Fcos – mg = 0 and along the x
direction we have Fsin – fk = 0 (since it is not accelerating, according to the problem).
Also, Eq. 6-2 gives fk = k FN. Solving these equations for F yields

k mg
F .
sin k cos

1
(b) When 0 tan s , F will not be able to move the mop head.
296 CHAPTER 6

96. (a) The distance traveled in one revolution is 2 R = 2 (4.6 m) = 29 m. The (constant)
speed is consequently v = (29 m)/(30 s) = 0.96 m/s.

(b) Newton’s second law (using Eq. 6-17 for the magnitude of the acceleration) leads to

fs m
FG v IJ
2
m(0.20)
H RK
in SI units. Noting that FN = mg in this situation, the maximum possible static friction is
fs,max = s mg using Eq. 6-1. Equating this with fs = m(0.20) we find the mass m cancels
and we obtain s = 0.20/9.8 = 0.021.

97. THINK In this problem a force is applied to accelerate a box. From the distance
traveled and the speed at that instant, we can calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction
between the box and the floor.

EXPRESS The free-body diagram is shown to the right. We adopt

the familiar axes with +x rightward and +y upward, and refer to the
85 N horizontal push of the worker as F (and assume it to be
rightward). Applying Newton’s second law to the x axis and y axis,
respectively, produces

F fk max , FN mg 0.

On the other hand, using Eq. 2-16 ( v2 v02 2ax x ), we find the acceleration to be

v 2 v02 (1.0 m/s)2 0

ax 0.357 m/s 2 .
2 x 2(1.4 m)

The above equations can be combined to give k .

ANALYZE Using f k k FN , we find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the box
and the floor to be
fk F max 85 N (40 kg)(0.357 m/s 2 )
k 0.18.
FN mg (40 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )

LEARN In general, the acceleration can be written as ax ( F / m) k g. We see that the

smaller the value of k , the greater the acceleration. In the limit k 0 , we simply have
ax F / m.

98. We resolve this horizontal force into appropriate components.

 297

(a) Applying Newton’s second law to the x

(directed uphill) and y (directed away from
the incline surface) axes, we obtain

F cos f k mg sin ma
FN F sin mg cos 0.

Using fk = k FN, these equations lead to

F
a (cos k sin ) g (sin k cos )
m

which yields a = –2.1 m/s2, or |a | = 2.1 m/s2 , for k = 0.30, F = 50 N and m = 5.0 kg.

(b) The direction of a is down the plane.

(4.0 m/s)2
(c) With v0 = +4.0 m/s and v = 0, Eq. 2-16 gives x 3.9 m.
2( 2.1 m/s 2 )

(d) We expect s k; otherwise, an object started into motion would immediately start
decelerating (before it gained any speed)! In the minimal expectation case, where s =
0.30, the maximum possible (downhill) static friction is, using Eq. 6-1,

f s ,max s FN s (F sin mg cos )

which turns out to be 21 N. But in order to have no acceleration along the x axis, we must
have
f s F cos mg sin 10 N

(the fact that this is positive reinforces our suspicion that f s points downhill). Since the fs
needed to remain at rest is less than fs,max then it stays at that location.

99. (a) We note that FN = mg in this situation, so

fs,max = smg = (0.52)(11 kg)(9.8 m/s2) = 56 N.

Consequently, the horizontal force F needed to initiate motion must be (at minimum)
slightly more than 56 N.

(b) Analyzing vertical forces when F is at nonzero yields

Fsin FN mg f s ,max s (mg F sin ).

298 CHAPTER 6

Now, the horizontal component of F needed to initiate motion must be (at minimum)
slightly more than this, so

s mg
Fcos s (mg Fsin ) F
cos s sin

which yields F = 59 N when = 60°.

(c) We now set = –60° and obtain

(0.52)(11 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )

F 1.1 103 N.
cos( 60 ) (0.52) sin ( 60 )

100. (a) If the skier covers a distance L during time t with zero initial speed and a
constant acceleration a, then L = at2/2, which gives the acceleration a1 for the first (old)
pair of skis:

a1
2 L 2 200 m b g
. m / s2 .
011
2
t1 61 s
2
b g
(b) The acceleration a2 for the second (new) pair is

a2
2L b g
2 200 m
0.23 m / s2 .
t22 b42 sg
2

(c) The net force along the slope acting on the skier of mass m is

Fnet mg sin fk b
mg sin k cos g ma

which we solve for k1 for the first pair of skis:

a1 0.11 m/s 2
k1 tan tan 3.0 0.041
g cos (9.8 m/s 2 ) cos 3.0

(d) For the second pair, we have

a2 0.23 m/s 2
k2 tan tan 3.0 0.029 .
g cos (9.8 m/s 2 ) cos 3.0

101. If we choose “downhill” positive, then Newton’s law gives

m g sin – fk = m a
 299

for the sliding child. Now using Eq. 6-12

fk = k FN = k m g,

so we obtain a = g(sin – k cos ) = – 0.5 m/s2 (note that the problem gives the direction
of the acceleration vector as uphill, even though the child is sliding downhill, so it is a
deceleration). With = 35º, we solve for the coefficient and find k = 0.76.

102. (a) Our +x direction is horizontal and is chosen (as we also do with +y) so that the
components of the 100 N force F are non-negative. Thus, Fx = F cos = 100 N, which
the textbook denotes Fh in this problem.

(b) Since there is no vertical acceleration, application of Newton’s second law in the y
direction gives

FN Fy mg FN mg F sin

where m = 25.0 kg. This yields FN = 245 N in this case ( = 0°).

(c) Now, Fx = Fh = F cos = 86.6 N for = 30.0°.

(d) And FN = mg – F sin = 195 N.

(e) We find Fx = Fh = F cos = 50.0 N for = 60.0°.

(f) And FN = mg – F sin = 158 N.

(g) The condition for the chair to slide is

Fx f s ,max s FN where s 0.42.

For = 0°, we have

Fx 100 N f s ,max (0.42)(245 N) 103 N

so the crate remains at rest.

(h) For = 30.0°, we find Fx 86.6 N f s ,max (0.42)(195 N) 81.9 N, so the crate
slides.

(i) For = 60°, we get Fx 50.0 N f s ,max (0.42)(158 N) 66.4 N, which means the
crate must remain at rest.

103. (a) The intuitive conclusion, that the tension is greatest at the bottom of the swing, is
certainly supported by application of Newton’s second law there:
300 CHAPTER 6

T mg
mv 2
T
FG
m g
v2 IJ
R H R K
where Eq. 6-18 has been used. Increasing the speed eventually leads to the tension at the
bottom of the circle reaching that breaking value of 40 N.

(b) Solving the above equation for the speed, we find

T 40 N
v R g (0.91 m) 9.8 m/s2
m 0.37 kg
which yields v = 9.5 m/s.

104. (a) The component of the weight along the incline (with downhill understood as the
positive direction) is mg sin where m = 630 kg and = 10.2°. With f = 62.0 N, Newton’s
second law leads to mg sin f ma , which yields a = 1.64 m/s2. Using Eq. 2-15, we
have
m FG 1 IJ
m 2 FG IJ
80.0 m 6.20
s H
t
2
164
.
K
s2
t .
H K
This is solved using the quadratic formula. The positive root is t = 6.80 s.

(b) Running through the calculation of part (a) with f = 42.0 N instead of f = 62 N results
in t = 6.76 s.

105. Except for replacing fs with fk, Fig 6-5 in the textbook is appropriate. With that
figure in mind, we choose uphill as the +x direction. Applying Newton’s second law to
the x axis, we have
W
f k W sin ma where m ,
g

and where W = 40 N, a = +0.80 m/s2 and = 25°. Thus, we find fk = 20 N. Along the y-
axis, we have
Fy 0 FN W cos
so that k = fk/ FN = 0.56.