Skip to main content
M

Maida Wisozk

Dec 21, 2024

A person bending forward to lift a load “with his back” rather than “with his knees”

A person bending forward to lift a load "with his back" rather than "with his knees" is at risk of injury due to the large forces exerted on the muscles and vertebrae. The spine primarily pivots at the fifth lumbar vertebra, with the main supporting force provided by the erector spinae muscle in the back. When lifting a 200-N object, the spine and upper body can be modeled as a uniform horizontal rod weighing 350 N, pivoted at the base of the spine. The erector spinae muscle, which is attached two-thirds of the way up the spine, helps maintain the position of the back. The angle between the spine and this muscle is 12 degrees.

To find the tension in the back muscle and the compressional force in the spine, please show your calculations step-by-step. The expected answers are T = 2.71 kN and Rx = 2.65 kN.

2 Answers

Sorry, I just imagine the forces and flexural moment diagram on my mind…..

∑τ = 0

(W_object) L + (W_spine) (½ L) – T (⅔ L) sin θ = 0

(200) + (350) (½) – T (⅔) sin 12° = 0

T = 2705.476 N

∑Fx = 0

Rx – T cos θ = 0

Rx – 2705.476 cos 12° = 0

Rx = 2646.355 N

A
Alexie Dach

Jan 29, 2025

you need to draw a free body diagram for this guy. Probably didn’t want to hear that. this would be very difficult and lengthy to answer in words. basically what they are getting at is that given the relatively small angle of 12 degrees the components of the force acting perpendicular to the load must be much larger to achieve the required result. All you need to do is draw your force vectors, split them into triangles and do a little SOH CAH TOA and you’ll be golden. If you are unfamiliar or just not practiced with this method go ask a TA, that’s what they are there for. Good luck, we’ve all been there. It ꜱᴜcκs

Want to answer this question?

Join our community to share your knowledge!

Related Questions

3
A question for bike riders, How come the back wheel is always following the front one, Is that odd or what. ?

Have you ever noticed how the rear wheel of a bike seems to follow the front wheel closely? Why does this happen, and is...

10
how can i talk without showing my teeth?

I really dislike my teeth. When I lived with my dad, he never seemed to care much about me; he didn’t pay for me to go t...

3
Identify each of the following as measurements?

Please identify each of the following as measurements: Length Area Volume Mass Density Time Temperature...

9
Is 180 pounds overweight for a 5’9 male?

Is 180 pounds considered overweight for a 5’9" male?

6
projectile motion homework?

A rescue pilot needs to drop a survival kit while flying at an altitude of 2,000.0 meters with a forward velocity of 100...

3
Which of the following describes a function of the endoplasmic reticulum within a cell

What are the functions of the endoplasmic reticulum within a cell? Please select the option that best describes its role...

10
Which organic molecule is responsible for the insulation of internal organs against shock?

Which organic molecule plays a key role in insulating internal organs against physical shock?

2
a question regarding torque in a magnetism setting?

I have a question regarding torque in a magnetism context. I understand that the equation τ = IABsin(θ) will be relevant...

1
How do you do this work and energy problem? physics urgent help!?

A 4.5 kg box slides down a 4.4 m high frictionless hill, starting from rest. It then travels across a 2.4 m wide horizon...

9
Is 22 inches tall considered a tall baby for a girl?

I had my first child almost three weeks ago, born on September 15, 2022. She’s a healthy baby, and I’m just wondering if...