Module 5 Physics Problems

Lesson 1 Vectors a and b represent the lengths of two

vectors that are perpendicular to one
Mastering Concepts another. c represents the length of the
1. How would you add two vectors sum of the two vectors.
graphically?
8. When using a coordinate system, how is
Make scale drawings of arrows the angle or direction of a vector
representing the vector quantities. Place determined with respect to the axes of the
the arrows for the quantities to be coordinate system?
added tip-to-tail. Draw an arrow from
the tail of the first to the tip of the last. The angle is measured
Measure the length of that arrow and counterclockwise from the x-axis.
find its direction.
Mastering Problems
2. Which of the following actions is 9. Cars A car moves 65 km due east then
permissible when you graphically add one 45 km due west. What is its total
vector to another: moving the vector, displacement? (Level 1)
rotating the vector, or changing the vector’s
65 km + (−45 km) = 2.0 × 101 km
length?
∆d = 2.0 × 101 km, east
allowed: moving the vector without
changing length or direction 10. Find the horizontal and vertical components
of the following vectors shown. (Level 1)
3. In your own words, write a clear definition
of the resultant of two or more vectors. Do
not explain how to find it; explain what it
represents.
The resultant is the vector sum of two or
more vectors. It represents the quantity
that results from adding the vectors. a. E
Ex = E cos θ
4. How is the resultant displacement affected = (5.0)(cos 45°)
when two displacement vectors are added
= 3.5
in a different order?
It is not affected. Ey = E sin θ
= (5.0)(sin 45°)
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

5. Explain the method you would use to = 3.5

subtract two vectors graphically.
Reverse the direction of the second b. F
vector and then add them. Fx = F cos θ
= (5.0)(cos 225°)
6. Explain the difference between A and A. = −3.5
A is the symbol for the vector quantity.
Fy = F sin θ
A is the signed magnitude (length) of
the vector. = (5.0)(sin 225°)
= −3.5
7. The Pythagorean theorem usually is written
c2 = a2 + b2. If this relationship is used in
vector addition, what do a, b, and c
represent?

Inspire Physics 1 Physics Problems

 Module 5 continued

c. A 12. Graphically add the following sets of

Ax = A cos θ vectors shown. (Level 2)
= (3.0)(cos 180°)
= −3.0
Ay = A si θ
= (3.0)(sin 180°)
= 0.0

11. Graphically find the sum of the following a. A, C, and D

pairs of vectors, whose characteristics are
shown. (Level 1)

b. A, B, and E

a. D and A

b. C and D
c. B, D, and F

c. C and A
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

13. Ranking Task Rank the following

according to the magnitude of the net force,
from least to greatest. Specifically indicate
any ties. (Level 2)
A. 20 N up + 10 N down
d. E and F
B. 20 N up + 10 N left
C. 20 N up + 10 N up
D. 20 N up + 10 N 20° below the horizontal
E. 20 N up
Add the vectors. A < D < E < B < C

Inspire Physics 2 Physics Problems

 Module 5 continued

14. You walk 30 m south and 30 m east. Find

the magnitude and direction of the resultant
displacement both graphically and
algebraically. (Level 2)

=Fx ( 400 N) ( cos 50o ) +

( 500 N) ( cos 140o )
= −125.91 N
=Fy ( 400 N) ( sin 50o ) +
R2 = A2 + B2 ( 500 N) ( sin 140o )
= 627.81 N
(30 m)2 + (30 m)2
R =
=
R Fx2 + Fy2
= 40 m
30 m =
(−125.91 N)2 + (627.81 N)2
tan θ = =1
30 m = 640 N
θ = 45°  Fy 
θ = tan−1  
R = 40 m, 45° east of south  Fx 
 627.81 N 
15. Hiking A hiker’s trip consists of three = tan−1  
segments. Path A is 8.0 km long heading  −125.91 N 
60.0° north of east. Path B is 7.0 km long in = 101.34 o
a direction due east. Path C is 4.0 km long The net force is 640 N at 101°.
heading 315° counterclockwise from east.
(Level 2) 17. Space Exploration A descent vehicle
a. Graphically add the hiker’s landing on Mars has a vertical velocity
displacements in the order A, B, C. toward the surface of Mars of 5.5 m/s. At
the same time, it has a horizontal velocity of
3.5 m/s. (Level 3)
a. At what speed does the vehicle move
along its descent path?
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

R2 = A + B
2 2

b. Graphically add the hiker’s

R= (5.5 m/s)2 + (3.5 m/s)2
displacements in the order C, B, A.
v = R = 6.5 m/s
b. At what angle with the vertical is this
path?
 RY 
θ = tan−1  Rx 
c. What can you conclude about the  5.5 
resulting displacements? = tan−1  3.5 
 
The resulting displacements are the
= 58° from horizontal,
same. Adding vectors is
which is 32° from vertical
commutative.
c. If the vehicle is 230 m above the
16. Two forces are acting on the ring. What is surface, how long until it reaches the
the net force acting on the ring? (Level 2) surface?
Inspire Physics 3 Physics Problems
 Module 5 continued

x = vt 19. A Ship at Sea A ship at sea is due into a

x port 500.0 km due south in two days.
t= However, a severe storm comes in and
v
blows it 100.0 km due east from its original
230 m
= position. How far is the ship from its
5.5 m/s destination? In what direction must it travel
= 42 s to reach its destination? (Level 3)

18. Three forces are acting on the ring. What is R2 = A2 + B 2

the net force act on the ring? (Level 3)
R = (100.0 km)2 + (500.0 km)2
= 509.9 km
 RY 
θ = tan  Rx 
−1 

 500.0 
= tan−1  100.0 

= 78.69°
A = −128 N + 64 N
= −64 N R = 509.9 km, 78.69° south of west
Ax = A cos θA
= (−64 N)(cos 180°) 20. Navigation Alfredo leaves camp and,
using a compass, walks 4 km E, then
= −64 N
6 km S, 3 km E, 5 km N, 10 km W, 8 km N,
Ay = A sin θA
and, finally, 3 km S. At the end of two days,
= (−64 N)(sin 180°) he is planning his trip back. By drawing a
=0N diagram, compute how far Alfredo is from
camp and which direction he should take to
Bx = B cos θ B get back to camp. (Level 3)
= (128 N)(cos 30.0°) Take north and east to be positive
= 111 N directions.
By = B sin θ B North: −6 km + 5 km + 8 km − 3 km
= (128 N)(sin 30.0°) = 4 km.
= 64 N East: 4 km + 3 km − 10 km = −3 km.
The hiker is 4 km north and 3 km west
Rx = Ax + Bx of camp. To return to camp, the hiker
= −64 N + 111 N must go 3 km east and 4 km south.
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

= 47 N R2 = A2 + B 2
Ry = Ay + By
R = (3 km)2 + (4 km)2
= 0 N + 64 N
= 64 N = 5 km

R = Rx 2 + RY 2  RY 
θ = tan−1  R 
= (47 N) + (64 N)
2 2
 x 
= 79 N  4 km 
= tan−1  3 km 
 
 RY   64 
θ = tan−1  R  = tan−1  47  = 53°
 x   
= 54° R = 5 km, 53° south of east

The net force is 79 N at 54°.

Inspire Physics 4 Physics Problems

 Module 5 continued

Lesson 2 Friction a. What would the block's acceleration be

if the surface was frictionless?
Mastering Concepts ma = Fnet = Fappl
21. What is the meaning of a coefficient of so Fappl = ma
friction that is greater than 1.0? How would
you measure it? Fappl
a=
The frictional force is greater than the m
normal force. You can pull the object 40.0 N
along the surface, measuring the force =
5.0 kg
needed to move it at constant speed.
Also measure the weight of the object. = 8.0 m/s2
b. How large is the kinetic friction force?
22. Cars Using the model of friction described
ma = Fnet = Fappl − Ff
in this textbook, would the friction between
a tire and the road be increased by a wide so Ff = Fappl − ma
rather than a narrow tire? Explain. = 40.0 N − (5.0 kg)(6.0 m/s2)
= 1.0 × 101 N
It would make no difference. Friction
does not depend upon surface area. c. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction?
Ff = µkFN = µkmg
Mastering Problems F
so µk = f
23. If you use a horizontal force of 30.0 N to mg
slide a 12.0-kg wooden crate across a floor
at a constant velocity, what is the coefficient 1.0 × 101 N
=
of kinetic friction between the crate and the (5.0 kg)(9.8 N/kg)
floor? (Level 1) = 0.20
Ff = µkFN = µkmg = Fhorizontal
F
µk = horizontal 26. Moving Appliances Your family just had a
mg new refrigerator delivered. The delivery
30.0 N man has left and you realize that the
= refrigerator is not quite in the right position,
(12.0 kg)(9.8 N/kg)
so you plan to move it several centimeters.
= 0.255 If the refrigerator has a mass of 88 kg, the
coefficient of kinetic friction between the
24. A 225-kg crate is pushed horizontally with a bottom of the refrigerator and the floor is
force of 710 N. If the coefficient of friction is 0.13, and the static coefficient of friction
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

0.20, calculate the acceleration of the crate. between these same surfaces is 0.21,
(Level 1) how hard do you have to push horizontally
ma = Fnet = Fappl − Ff to get the refrigerator to start moving?
where Ff = µk FN = µkmg (Level 2)
Fon fridge = Ffriction
Therefore = µ s FN
F − µk mg = µsmg
a = appl
m = (0.21)(88 kg)(9.8 N/kg)
710 N − (0.20)(225 kg)(9.8 N/kg) = 180 N
=
225 kg
= 1.2 m/s2

25. A force of 40.0 N accelerates a 5.0-kg

block at 6.0 m/s2 along a horizontal surface.
(Level 1)

Inspire Physics 5 Physics Problems

 Module 5 continued

27. Stopping at a Red Light You are driving a The net force acting on the book is zero.
1200.0-kg car at a constant speed of 14.0
m/s along a straight, level road. As you 32. Can an object that is in equilibrium be
approach an intersection, the traffic light moving? Explain.
turns red. You slam on the brakes. The car’s Yes, Newton’s first law permits motion
wheels lock, the tires begin skidding, and as long as the object’s velocity is
the car slides to a halt in a distance of 25.0 constant. It cannot accelerate.
m. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction
between your tires and the road? (Level 3) 33. You are asked to analyze the motion of a
Ff = µkFN = ma book placed on a sloping table.
m (v f 2 − v i2 ) a. Describe the best coordinate system for
−µkmg = where vf = 0 analyzing the motion.
2 ∆d
(The minus sign indicates the force is Set up the y-axis perpendicular
acting opposite to the direction of to the surface of the table and the
motion.) x-axis pointing uphill and parallel to
v2 the surface.
µk = i
2dg b. How are the components of the weight
(14.0 m/s) 2 of the book related to the angle of the
= table?
2(25.0 m)(9.8 N/kg)
One component is parallel to the
= 0.400
inclined surface and the other is
perpendicular to it.
Section 3 Forces in Two 34. For a book on a sloping table, describe
Dimensions what happens to the component of the
weight force parallel to the table and the
Mastering Concepts force of friction on the book as you increase
28. Describe a coordinate system that would the angle the table makes with the
be suitable for dealing with a problem in horizontal.
which a ball is thrown up into the air.
a. Which components of force(s) increase
One axis is vertical, with the positive when the angle increases?
direction either up or down.
As you increase the angle the table
makes with the horizontal, the
29. If a coordinate system is set up such that
component of the book’s weight
the positive x-axis points in a direction 30°
along the table increases.
above the horizontal, what should be the
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

angle between the x-axis and the y-axis? b. Which components of force(s) decrease?
What should be the direction of the positive When the angle increases, the
y-axis? component of the weight normal to
The two axes must be at right angles. the table decreases and the friction
The positive y-axis points 30° away from force decreases.
the vertical so that it is at right angles to
the x-axis. Mastering Problems
35. An object in equilibrium has three forces
30. Explain how you would set up a coordinate exerted on it. A 33.0-N force acts at 90.0°
system for motion on a hill. from the x-axis, and a 44.0-N force acts at
For motion on a hill, the vertical (y) axis 60.0° from the x-axis. Both angles are
is usually set up perpendicular, or measured counterclockwise from the
normal, to the surface of the hill. positive x-axis. What are the magnitude and
the direction of the third force? (Level 1)
31. If your textbook is in equilibrium, what can First, find the magnitude of the sum of
you say about the forces acting on it? these two forces. The equilibrant will
have the same magnitude but opposite
direction.
Inspire Physics 6 Physics Problems
 Module 5 continued

F1 = 33.0 N, 90.0°
F2 = 44.0 N, 60.0°
F3 = ?

F1x = F1 cos θ1
= (33.0 N)(cos 90.0°)
= 0.0 N

F1y = F1 sin θ1
= (33.0 N)(sin 90.0°)
= 33.0 N
Solutions by components
F2x = F2 cos θ2 F1 = 60.0 N, 90.0°
= (44.0 N)(cos 60.0°) F2 = 40.0 N, 0.0°
= 22.0 N F3 = 80.0 N, 270.0°
F4 = 40.0 N, 180.0°
F2y = F2 sin θ2 F5 = 50.0 N, 60.0°
= (44.0 N)(sin 60.0°) F6 = ?
= 38.1 N
F1x = F1 cos θ1
F3x = F1x + F2x = (60.0 N)(cos 90.0°) = 0.0 N
= 0.0 N + 22.0 N
= 22.0 N F1y = F1 sin θ1 = (60.0 N)(sin 90.0°)
= 60.0 N
F3y = F1y + F2y
= 33.0 N + 38.1 N F2x = F2 cos θ2 = (40.0 N)(cos 0.0°)
= 71.1 N = 40.0 N

F3 = F3 x 2 + F3 y 2 F2y = F2 sin θ2 = (40.0 N)(sin 0.0°)

= 0.0 N
= (22.0 N)2 + (71.1 N)2
= 74.4 N F3x = F3 cos θ3 = (80.0 N)(cos 270.0°)
For equilibrium, the third vector’s = 0.0 N
direction must be opposite the resultant
of the first two vectors. Adding 180.0° to F3y = F3 sin θ3 = (80.0 N)(sin 270.0°)
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

the resultant’s angle finds the = −80.0 N

equilibrant’s direction.
F  F4x = F4 cos θ4 = (40.0 N)(cos 180.0°)
θ = tan−1  3Y  + 180.0°
 F3 x  = −40.0 N
 71.1 N 
= tan−1   + 180.0° F4y = F4 sin θ4 = (40.0 N)(sin 180.0°)
 22.0 N  = 0.0 N
= 253°
F3 = 74.4 N, 253° F5x = F5 cos θ 5 = (50.0 N)(cos 60.0°)
= 25.0 N
36. Five forces act on the object: (1) 60.0 N at
90.0°, (2) 40.0 N at 0.0°, (3) 80.0 N at F5y = F5 sin θ 5 = (50.0 N)(sin 60.0°)
270.0°, (4) 40.0 N at 180.0°, and (5) 50.0 N = 43.3 N
at 60.0°. What are the magnitude and the
direction of a sixth force that would
produce equilibrium? (Level 2)

Inspire Physics 7 Physics Problems

 Module 5 continued

F6x = F1x + F2x + F3x + F4x + F5x Also, FB − FAx = 0, so

= 0.0 N + 40.0 N + 0.0 N FB = FAx
+ (−40.0 N) + 25.0 N = FA cos 60.0°
= 25.0 N = (866 N)(cos 60.0°)
= 433 N, right
F6y = F1y + F2y + F3y + F4y + F5y
= 60.0 N + 0.0 N + (−80.0 N) 38. A street lamp weighs 150 N. It is supported
+ 0.0 N + 43.3 N by two wires that form an angle of 120.0°
= 23.3 N with each other. The tensions in the wires
are equal. (Level 2)
a. What is the tension in each wire?
F6 = F6 x 2 + F6 y 2
Fg = 2T sin θ
= (25.0 N)2 + (23.3 N)2 = 34.2 N Fg
so T =
2 sin θ
 F6Y 
θ6 = tan−1   + 180.0° 150 N
 F6 x  =
(2)(sin 30.0°)
 23.3 N  = 1.5×102 N
= tan−1   + 180.0° = 223°
 25.0 N 
b. If the angle between the wires
F6 = 34.2 N, 223° supporting the street lamp is reduced to
90.0°, what is the tension in each wire?
37. Advertising Joe wishes to hang a sign Fg 150 N
weighing 7.50×102 N so that cable A, T= =
2 sin θ (2)(sin 45o)
attached to the store, makes a 30.0° angle,
as shown in the image. Cable B is = 1.1×102 N
horizontal and attached to an adjoining 39. A 215-N box is placed on an incline that
building. What is the tension in cable B? makes a 35.0° angle with the horizontal.
(Level 2) Find the component of the weight parallel
to the incline. (Level 2)
Fparallel = Fg sin θ
= (215 N)(sin 35.0°)
= 123 N
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

40. Emergency Room You are job-shadowing

a nurse in the emergency room of a local
hospital. An orderly wheels in a patient who
Solution by components. The sum of the has been in a very serious accident and has
components must equal zero, so had severe bleeding. The nurse quickly
FAy − Fg = 0 explains to you that in a case like this, the
so FAy = Fg patient’s bed will be tilted with the head
= 7.50×102 N downward to make sure the brain gets
enough blood. She tells you that, for most
FAy = FA sin 60.0°, so patients, the largest angle that the bed can
FAy be tilted without the patient beginning to
FA = slide off is 45.0° from the horizontal. (Level
sin 60.0o
3)
7.50 × 102 N a. On what factor or factors does this angle
=
sin 60.0° of tilting depend?
= 866 N The coefficient of static friction
between the patient and the bed’s
sheets.
Inspire Physics 8 Physics Problems
 Module 5 continued

b. Find the coefficient of static friction mg sin θ

between a typical patient and the bed’s so µs =
mg cos θ
sheets.
sin θ
Fg parallel to bed = mg sin θ =
cos θ
= Ff
= µ s FN = tan θ
= µsmg cos θ = tan 45.0°
= 1.00

41. Two blocks are connected by a string over a frictionless, massless pulley such that one is resting
on an inclined plane and the other is hanging over the top edge of the plane. The hanging block
has a mass of 16.0 kg, and the one on the plane has a mass of 8.0 kg. The coefficient of kinetic
friction between the block and the inclined plane is 0.23. The blocks are released from rest.
(Level 3)

a. What is the acceleration of the blocks?

F = mbotha = Fg hanging − F║ plane − Ff plane
mhanging g − Fg plane sin θ − µk Fg plane cos θ
so a =
mboth
mhanging g − mplane g sin θ − µk mplane g cos θ
=
mboth
g (mhanging − mplane sin θ − µk mplane cos θ )
=
mhanging + mplane
(9.8 N/kg)(16.0 kg − (8.0 kg)(sin 37.0o ) − (0.23)(8.0 kg)(cos 37.0o ))
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

=
(16.0 kg + 8.0 kg)
= 4.0 m/s2
b. What is the tension in the string connecting the blocks?
FT = Fg − Fa
= mg − ma
= (16.0 kg)(9.8 N/kg) − (16.0 kg)(4.0 m/s2)
= 93 N

Inspire Physics 9 Physics Problems

 Module 5 continued

42. A block of mass M is pushed with a force (F) resultant? Draw sketches to demonstrate
such that the smaller block of mass m does your answers.
not slide down the front of it. There is no The largest is 7 m; the smallest is 1 m.
friction between the larger block and the
surface below it, but the coefficient of static
friction between the two blocks is µs. Find
an expression for F in terms of M, m, µs,
and g. (Level 3)

46. How does the resultant displacement

change as the angle between two vectors
increases from 0° to 180°?
Smaller block:
The resultant increases.
Ff, M on m = µsFN, M on m = mg

FN, M on m =
mg
= ma 47. A and B are two sides of a right triangle,
µs where tan θ = A/B.
g a. Which side of the triangle is longer if
a=
µs tan θ is greater than 1.0?
A is longer.
Larger block:
b. Which side is longer if tan θ is less
F − FN, m on M = Ma than 1.0?
mg Mg
F− = B is longer.
µs µs
c. What does it mean if tan θ is equal
g
=F (m + M ) to 1.0?
µs
A and B are equal in length.
48. Traveling by Car A car has a velocity of 50
Applying Concepts km/h in a direction 60° north of east. A
43. A vector that is 1 cm long represents a coordinate system with the positive x-axis
displacement of 5 km. How many pointing east and a positive y-axis pointing
kilometers are represented by a 3-cm north is chosen. Which component of the
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

vector drawn to the same scale? velocity vector is larger, x or y?

 5 km  The northward component (y) is longer.
(3 cm)   = 15 km
 1 cm  49. Under what conditions can the
Pythagorean theorem, rather than the law
44. A vector drawn 15 mm long represents of cosines, be used to find the magnitude of
a velocity of 30 m/s. How long should a resultant vector?
you draw a vector to represent a velocity The Pythagorean theorem can be used
of 20 m/s?
only if the two vectors to be added are
 15 mm  at right angles to one another.
(20 m/s)   = 10 mm
 30 m/s 
50. A problem involves a car moving up a hill,
so a coordinate system is chosen with the
45. What is the largest possible net positive x-axis parallel to the surface of the
displacement resulting from two hill. The problem also involves a stone that
displacements with magnitudes 3 m and is dropped onto the car. Sketch the
4 m? What is the smallest possible problem and show the components of the
velocity vector of the stone.
Physics: Principles and Problems 10 Solutions Manual
 Module 5 continued

One component is in the negative 53. The weight of a book on an inclined plane
x-direction, the other in the negative can be resolved into two vector
y-direction, assuming that the positive components, one along the plane and the
direction points upward, perpendicular other perpendicular to it.
to the hill. a. At what angle are the components
equal?
45°
b. At what angle is the parallel component
equal to zero?
0°
c. At what angle is the parallel component
equal to the weight?
90°
54. TV Towers The transmitting tower of a
TV station is held upright by guy wires that
extend from the ground to the top of the
51. Pulling a Cart According to legend, a tower at an angle of 67° above the
horse learned Newton’s laws. When the horizontal. The force along the guy wires
horse was told to pull a cart, it refused, can be resolved into perpendicular and
saying that if it pulled the cart forward, parallel components with respect to the
according to Newton’s third law, there ground. Which one is larger?
would be an equal force backwards. Thus,
The component perpendicular to the
there would be balanced forces, and,
ground is larger because the angle
according to Newton’s second law, the cart
between the guy wire and horizontal is
would not accelerate. How would you
greater than 45°.
reason with this horse?
The equal and opposite forces referred
to in Newton’s third law are acting on Mixed Review
different objects. The horse would pull 55. The scale is being pulled on by three ropes.
on the cart, and the cart would pull on What net force does the scale read?
the horse. The cart would have an (Level 1)
unbalanced net force on it (neglecting
friction) and would thus accelerate.

52. Tennis When stretching a tennis net

Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

between two posts, it is relatively easy to

pull one end of the net hard enough to
remove most of the slack, but you need a
winch to take the last bit of slack out of the
net to make the top almost completely
horizontal. Why is this true?
When stretching the net between the
two posts, there is no perpendicular
component upward to balance the
weight of the net. All the force exerted
on the net is horizontal. Stretching the Find the y-component of the two side
net to remove the last bit of slack ropes and then add them to the middle
requires great force in order to reduce rope.
the flexibility of the net and to increase Fy = F cos θ = (75.0 N)(cos 27.0°)
the internal forces that hold it together. = 66.8 N
Fy, total = Fy, left + Fy, middle + Fy, right
= 66.8 N + 150.0 N + 66.8 N= 284 N
Physics: Principles and Problems 11 Solutions Manual
 Module 5 continued

56. Mythology Sisyphus was a character in Greek mythology who was doomed in Hades to push a
boulder to the top of a steep mountain. When he reached the top, the boulder would slide back
down the mountain and he would have to start all over again. Assume that Sisyphus slides the
boulder up the mountain without being able to roll it, even though in most versions of the myth,
he rolled it. (Level 2)
a. If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the boulder and the mountainside is 0.40, the mass
of the boulder is 20.0 kg, and the slope of the mountain is a constant 30.0°, what is the force
that Sisyphus must exert on the boulder to move it up the mountain at a constant velocity?
FS on rock − Fg║to slope − Ff = FS on rock − mg sin θ − µkmg cos θ = ma = 0
FS on rock = mg sin θ + µkmg cos θ
= mg(sin θ + µk cos θ )
= (20.0 kg)(9.8 N/kg)(sin 30.0° + (0.40)(cos 30.0°))
= 166 N
b. Sisyphus pushes the boulder at a velocity of 0.25 m/s and it takes him
8.0 h to reach the top of the mountain, what is the mythical mountain’s vertical height?
h = d sin θ
= vt sin θ
= (0.25 m/s)(8.0 h)(3600 s/h)(sin 30.0°)
= 3.6×103 m = 3.6 km

57. Landscaping A tree is being transported on a flatbed trailer by a landscaper. If the base of the
tree slides on the trailer, the tree will fall over and be damaged. The coefficient of static friction
between the tree and the trailer is 0.50. The truck's initial speed is 55 km/h. (Level 3)
a. The truck must come to a stop at a traffic light without the tree sliding forward and falling on
the trailer. What is the maximum possible acceleration the truck can experience?
Ftruck = −Ff = −µsFN = −µsmg = ma
− µ s mg
a = = µsg
m
= −(0.50)(9.8 N/kg)
= −4.9 m/s2
b. What is the truck's minimum stopping distance if the truck accelerates uniformly at the
maximum acceleration calculated in part a?
vf2 = vi2 + 2a∆d with vf = 0,
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

v2
− i
so ∆d = 2a
2
  1000 m   1h  
−  (55 km/h)   
  1km   3600 s  
=
(2)(−4.9 m/s2 )
= 24 m

Physics: Principles and Problems 12 Solutions Manual

 Module 5 continued

Thinking Critically
58. Use Models Using the Example Problems in this chapter as models, write an example problem
to solve the following problem. Include the following sections: Analyze and Sketch the Problem,
Solve for the Unknown (with a complete strategy), and Evaluate the Answer. A driver of a
975-kg car traveling 25 m/s puts on the brakes. What is the shortest distance it will take for the
car to stop if the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.65? Assume that the force of friction of the road
on the tires is constant and the tires do not slip.

ANALYZE AND SKETCH THE PROBLEM

• Choose a coordinate system with a positive axis in the direction of motion.
• Draw a motion diagram.
• Label v and a.
• Draw the free-body diagram.

Known: Unknown:
di = 0 df = ? df = ?
vi = 25 m/s
vf = 0
m = 975 kg
µk = 0.65
SOLVE FOR THE UNKNOWN
Solve Newton’s second law for a.
−Fnet = ma
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

−Ff = ma Substitute −Ff = Fnet

−µFN = ma Substitute Ff = µFN
−µmg = ma Substitute FN = mg
a = −µg

Use the expression for acceleration to solve for distance.

vf2 = vi2 + 2a(df − di)
v 2 − v i2
df = di + f
2a
v − v i2
2
= di + f Substitute a = −µg
(2)(− µ g )
(0.0 m/s)2 − (25 m/s)2 Substitute di = 0.0 m, vf = 0.0 m/s,
= 0.0 m +
(2)(−0.65)(9.8 N/kg)2
vi = 25 m/s, µ = 0.65, g = 9.8 N/kg
= 49 m

Physics: Principles and Problems 13 Solutions Manual

 Module 5 continued

59. Analyze and Conclude Margaret Mary, 61. Reverse Problem Write a physics problem
Doug, and Kako are at a local amusement with real-life objects for which the vector
park and see an attraction called the Giant diagram would be part of the solution.
Slide, which is simply a very long and high
inclined plane. Visitors at the amusement
park climb a long flight of steps to the top of
the 27° inclined plane and are given canvas
sacks. They sit on the sacks and slide down
the 70-m-long plane. At the time when the
three friends walk past the slide, a 135-kg
man and a 20-kg boy are each at the top
preparing to slide down. “I wonder how
much less time it will take the man to slide
down than it will take the boy,” says
Margaret Mary. “I think the boy will take less
time,” says Doug. “You’re both wrong,” says
Kako. “They will reach the bottom at the A correct form of the answer is, “A 10-N
same time.” carton is pushed across a floor by
a. Perform the appropriate analysis to exerting a force of 10 N at angle of 20
determine who is correct. degrees below the horizontal. If the
coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.13,
Fnet = Fg − Ff
what is the resulting acceleration of the
= Fg sin θ − µkFN
carton?”
= mg sin θ − µkmg cos θ = ma
a = g(sin θ − µk cos θ ), so the
acceleration is independent of the Writing in Physics
mass. They will tie, so Kako is correct. 62. Investigate some of the techniques used in
b. If the man and the boy do not take the industry to reduce the friction between
same amount of time to reach the various parts of machines. Describe two or
bottom of the slide, calculate how many three of these techniques and explain the
seconds of difference there will be physics of how they work.
between the two times. Answers will vary and may include
They will reach the bottom at the lubricants and reduction of the normal
same time. force to reduce the force of friction.

60. Problem Posing Complete this problem so 63. Olympics In recent years, many Olympic
it can be solved using two-dimensional athletes, such as sprinters, swimmers,
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

vector addition: “Jeff is cleaning his room skiers, and speed skaters, have used
when he finds his favorite basketball card modified equipment to reduce the effects
under his bed…” of friction and air or water drag. Research a
piece of equipment used by one of these
A possible form of the correct answer types of athletes and the way it has
would be, “…he moves the card north changed over the years. Explain how
for 125 cm, where he places it on a shelf physics has impacted these changes.
115 cm above the ground. What is the
total displacement of the card?” Possible topics include sprinters’ speed
suits, swimmers’ full body, low-drag
swim suits, and skiers’ aerodynamic
helmets, goggles, and poles.

Physics: Principles and Problems 14 Solutions Manual