Question

A half-full recycling bin has mass 3.0 kg and is pushed up a 40.0° incline with constant speed under the action of a 26-N force acting up and parallel to the incline. The incline has friction. What magnitude force must act up and parallel to the incline for the bin to move down the incline at constant velocity?

a. 13 N
b. 26 N
c. 20 N
d. 33 N

Answer 1

To move the bin down the incline at a constant velocity, the force required would be 26 N, equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force applied to move it up at constant velocity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked what magnitude force must act up and parallel to the incline for the bin to move down the incline at constant velocity when the bin is being pushed up a 40° incline with a 26-N force.

Since the bin is moving up at constant speed with a 26-N force and the question implies the same conditions apply for moving down (constant velocity and same friction), the force needed would be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. Therefore, the correct answer is 26 N, acting down the incline.