Question

After a lead-off single in the 8th inning, Earl makes an effort to steal second base. As he hits the dirt on his head first dive, his 73.2 kg body encounters 249 N of friction force. Construct a free body diagram depicting the types of forces acting upon Earl. Then determine the net force and acceleration.

Answer 1

Answer on Question #70798, Physics / Mechanics | Relativity

Question. After a lead-off single in the $8^{th}$ inning, Earl makes an effort to steal second base. As he hits the dirt on his head first dive, his $73.2\,kg$ body encounters $249\,N$ of friction force. Construct a free body diagram depicting the types of forces acting upon Earl. Then determine the net force and acceleration.

Given.

$$m = 73.2\,kg; \, F_f = 249\,N.$$

Find.

$$F - ?; \, a_x - ?.$$

Solution.

According to second Newton's law

$$\sum F_x = m a_x \quad \text{and} \quad \sum F_y = m a_y.$$

So

$$- F_f = m a_x \quad \text{and} \quad N - m g = 0 \rightarrow N = m g.$$

We have

$$F = - F_f = -249\,N.$$ $$a_x = \frac{-F_f}{m} = -\frac{249}{73.2} = -3.4\,\frac{m}{s^2}.$$

Answer. $F = 249\,N$ (against his motion); $a_x = 3.4\,\frac{m}{s^2}$ (against his motion).

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