To determine the magnitude of the normal force acting on the sled, we need to consider the forces acting on the sled in the vertical direction.
-
Weight of the sled (W): The weight can be calculated using the equation: \[ W = m \cdot g \] where:
- \( m = 38 , \text{kg} \) (mass of the sled)
- \( g \approx 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \) (acceleration due to gravity)
So, the weight of the sled is: \[ W = 38 , \text{kg} \cdot 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \approx 372.78 , \text{N} \]
-
Vertical forces acting on the sled: The sled is moving horizontally at a constant velocity, which means the net force in the vertical direction must be zero (since there is no vertical acceleration). The forces acting vertically are:
- The weight of the sled acting downwards (372.78 N)
- The normal force (N) acting upwards
Since there are no other vertical forces acting on the sled, we can set up the equation: \[ N - W = 0 \]
Therefore: \[ N = W \]
-
Calculating the normal force: Substituting the weight we calculated: \[ N = 372.78 , \text{N} \]
Thus, the magnitude of the normal force on the sled is approximately 372.78 N.