Physlet Illustration: Translational Equilibrium

 

 

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F= Newtons  q = ° 
A 20-kg block is being pulled by a rope across a rough floor, as shown. The rope makes an angle q with the horizontal. The horizontal velocity is given in m/s, and the block is initially moving at 5 m/s. Adjust the angle (q < 90°) and/or the magnitude of the pulling force (F < 200 N), and attempt to achieve translational equilibrium. 

Hints

  1. How should the box's velocity change if it is in translational equilibrium?.
  2. What would be the box's acceleration in this case?
  3. What net force on the box would result in such an acceleration?

Reference

See Walker, Section 6-3

Illustration written by Steve Mellema and Chuck Niederriter