What is the normal force exerted on a suitcase being pulled at an angle?

In summary, Dylan exerts a force of 100N at a 30° angle above the horizontal on his 20.0kg suitcase while walking in the airport. The normal force exerted by the floor on the suitcase is 146.2N upwards. This is determined by balancing the gravitational force with the applied force and the force in the y-direction, which is zero in mechanical equilibrium.
  • #1
Alice_in_Wonderland
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Homework Statement


Dylan is rushing to catch a flight. As he walks in the airport he pulls his suitcase behind him, which is rolling on its wheels. The mass of the suitcase is 20.0kg. Dylan pulls on the handle so that he exerts a force on the handle of 100N, 30° above the horizontal. Determine the normal force exerted by the floor on the suitcase.

Given:
m=20.0kg
FaDS (applied force Dylan on suitcase)= 100N
Degree= 30° above horizontal

Homework Equations


Fg= mg
Total force in the y = 0 in mechanical equilibrium
Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


Fg= mg= (20.0kg)(-9.81m/s/s)=-196.2N
Total force in the y is 0, therefore, Fn+Fg+Fay=0
This means, Fn-196.2N+ (100N)sin30°=0
Fn= 146.2N upward = +146.2N
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Yes, that looks correct.
 
  • #3
Thank you!
 

1. What is the definition of normal force?

Normal force is the perpendicular force that a surface exerts on an object resting on it. In other words, it is the force that prevents an object from falling through a surface.

2. How is normal force related to the weight of a suitcase?

The normal force on a suitcase is equal in magnitude to the weight of the suitcase. This means that the force exerted by the surface on the suitcase is equal to the force of gravity pulling the suitcase downwards.

3. Does the normal force change if the suitcase is on an inclined surface?

Yes, the normal force changes when the surface is inclined. The normal force will be less than the weight of the suitcase since a component of the weight is acting parallel to the inclined surface.

4. What factors affect the normal force on a suitcase?

The normal force on a suitcase is affected by the weight of the suitcase, the angle of the surface it is resting on, and the coefficient of friction between the suitcase and the surface.

5. How can the normal force on a suitcase be calculated?

The normal force on a suitcase can be calculated using the equation FN = mg, where FN is the normal force, m is the mass of the suitcase, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. If the suitcase is on an inclined surface, the normal force can be calculated using the equation FN = mg cos θ, where θ is the angle of the surface.

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