Ancilla applies a force of 200 N [E] horizontally to pull a 38 kg sled across the snow at a constant velocity for 200 m.

(c) What is the magnitude of the force of gravity on the sled?

1 answer

To find the magnitude of the force of gravity on the sled, we can use the formula for weight, which is given by:

\[ F_{gravity} = m \cdot g \]

where:

  • \( F_{gravity} \) is the force of gravity (weight),
  • \( m \) is the mass of the sled, and
  • \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity.

The mass of the sled \( m \) is given as 38 kg, and the standard acceleration due to gravity \( g \) is approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \).

Now, substituting the values into the equation gives:

\[ F_{gravity} = 38 , \text{kg} \cdot 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \]

Calculating that:

\[ F_{gravity} = 372.78 , \text{N} \]

Therefore, the magnitude of the force of gravity on the sled is approximately 373 N (when rounded to three significant figures).