Can someone help verify the answer?

enter image source here

I obtain 58.1 N for b, can someone verify if my answer is correct?

1 Answer
Mar 22, 2016

(a) #81.928 N#
(b) #81.928 N#

Explanation:

Question

(a) Force of static friction which needs to be overcome to move the sled 1

#F_(k1)=#Coefficient of static friction #mu_ktimes #normal force #eta_1#
where #eta_1=m_1g#
Inserting given quantities and taking the value of #g=9.8 m//s^2#
#F_(k1)=0.22times 27times 9.8 N#
#F_(k1)=58.212 N#

Similarly, force of static friction which needs to be overcome to move the sled 2
#F_(k2)=0.22times 38times 9.8 N#
#F_(k2)=81.928 N#

As both the sleds are tied with the help of rope, any force applied by the adult on sled 1 gets transferred to sled 2 via rope. We see that sled 2, which is heavier of the two, will not move unless its force of static friction is overcome.

This implies that greatest horizontal force an adult can apply on sled 1 without either sled moving is #F_(k2)=81.928 N#

(b) Magnitude of tension in the rope between the sleds when the adult applies this greatest force must be equal to magnitude of #|F_(k2)|=81.928 N#. Because this is the force which is resisting motion of sled 2.