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Learning Introductory Physics with Activities

Section 4.9 Force Analysis for a Single System

Exercises Activities: Practice with Force Analysis for a Single System

1. The Skateboarder and the Kite.

A skateboarder on flat, level ground is being pulled forward by an angled kite.

2. Solving for a Different Quantity.

Using the skateboarder context above, find the magnitude of the normal force acting on the skateboarder.

3. Exploring Systems of Equations.

When using Force Analysis, it is especially common to end up with a system of equations. Suppose you are in the middle of using Force Analysis and you end up finding a system of two equations that contain three different unknown quantities. How do you think you could make further progress on such a calculation?

4. The Kite and the Wagon.

A child in a wagon is trailing a large kite behind her at a low angle while her father pulls the wagon forward so it moves at constant speed. Find the force the father exerts on the wagon.
Tip.
Model both the force from the kite and the force from the father as constant. (Remember to follow the A*R*C*S Steps!)