The Student Room Group

Forces a levels

​An object resting on a rough surface is attached to a rope angled at 30° to the horizontal. The rope is pulled with a force of P N. The mass of the object is 5 kg.
Figure 1

a​Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the object. Describe the origin of each force using words.​(4 marks)
b​By resolving forces in the horizontal and vertical directions, calculate the magnitude of each force in the diagram, giving your answers in terms of P where appropriate.​(4 marks)
c​If P = 20, the object does not slip. Use this information to give a bound on in the form of an inequality.​(6 marks)
Original post by WilliamOkoro
An object resting on a rough surface is attached to a rope angled at 30° to the horizontal. The rope is pulled with a force of P N. The mass of the object is 5 kg.
Figure 1

aDraw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the object. Describe the origin of each force using words.(4 marks)
bBy resolving forces in the horizontal and vertical directions, calculate the magnitude of each force in the diagram, giving your answers in terms of P where appropriate.(4 marks)
cIf P = 20, the object does not slip. Use this information to give a bound on in the form of an inequality.(6 marks)


It would be better for you to upload the full question. There is a missing figure.
What is/are the issues that you faced in attempting the question?
I found the question

a) forces acting are friction, tension, weight, normal reaction.
b) you have to use sin and cos functions to get P force vertically and horizontally. Since it's in equilibrium. Vertical and horizontal forces cancel out.
c) Use equation: frictional force = mu*normal reaction force and vertical and horizontal forces must again cancel.


a) Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the object. Describe the origin of each force using words. (4 marks)
b By resolving forces in the horizontal and vertical directions, calculate the magnitude of each force in the diagram, giving your answers in terms of P where appropriate. (4 marks)
c If P = 20, the object does not slip. Use this information to give a bound on mu in the form of an inequality. (6 marks)

Quick Reply

Latest