6 An empty open box of mass 4 kg is on a plane that is inclined at \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal.
In one model the plane is taken to be smooth.
The box is held in equilibrium by a string with tension \(T \mathrm {~N}\) parallel to the plane, as shown in Fig. 6.1.
\begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d6e78f93-ac2c-4053-87e4-5e5537d6dc3d-5_314_575_621_785}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Fig. 6.1}
\end{figure}
- Calculate \(T\).
A rock of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is now put in the box. The system is in equilibrium when the tension in the string, still parallel to the plane, is 50 N .
- Find \(m\).
In a refined model the plane is rough.
The empty box, of mass 4 kg , is in equilibrium when a frictional force of 20 N acts down the plane and the string has a tension of \(P \mathrm {~N}\) inclined at \(15 ^ { \circ }\) to the plane, as shown in Fig. 6.2.
\begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d6e78f93-ac2c-4053-87e4-5e5537d6dc3d-5_369_561_1653_790}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Fig. 6.2}
\end{figure} - Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the box.
- Calculate \(P\).
- Calculate the normal reaction of the plane on the box.