Horizontal force kinematics help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a small object sliding on a wedge, where participants are trying to determine the horizontal force required to keep the object stationary relative to the wedge. The subject area includes kinematics and forces acting on inclined planes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's laws and the forces acting on the small mass and the wedge. There are attempts to derive the necessary force using different approaches, including free body diagrams and resolving forces in various directions. Questions are raised about the correctness of specific equations and assumptions regarding acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants offer insights into the relationships between forces and accelerations, while others seek clarification on specific concepts like free body diagrams and equilibrium conditions. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on understanding the dynamics of the system rather than arriving at a final answer.

frozen7
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The figure shows a small object of mass m = 1kg can slide without friction on a wedge of mass M = 3kg inclined at angle [tex]\delta[/tex]=30 degree . What horizontal force F must be applied to the wedge if the small block is not to move with respect to the wedge?

I do it in this way:

By Newton`s 3rd law: the small object will exert a same force F to the wedge, so

mgsin30 = Fcos30
F = 5.66N

But my answer is wrong. Can anyone teach me how to solve it?
Thanks.
 

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mg sin 30 = F
no Fcos30 coz you're applying this force in the same direction as the slant.
 
I've got an idea for the solution of this problem, but I'm not sure how feasible it is :frown:

The small mass is moving on a smooth surface, so there is no friction.
The accelerating force down the slope is mg.sin@ (where @ is the slope of the wedge). So the acceln of the mass down the slope is a=g.sin@.
The mass has a horizontal acceleration of a_h = a.cos@ = g.sin@.cos@ = ½g.sin(2@).

My idea: If the wedge is now moved forward with a horizontal acceleration of a_h, equal to that of the small mass, then this will provide vertical support for the small mass such that no vertical movement of it will happen and it will be motionless wrt the wedge.

Any comments on my idea ??

Assuming my idea is correct,

F = (m+M)a_h
F = (m+M).½g.sin(2@).
F = ½g.(m+M).sin(2@).
=================

F = 4.9*(1 + 3)*sin(60)
F = 16.974 N
==========
 
Last edited:
There are 4 choices answers for this question:
a)22.6
b)28.4
c)32.5
d)36.2
 
If it is not sliding m is also accelerating with the same acceleration.

Draw a free body diagram of object m resolve the forces in horizontal and vertical direction and you will get acceleration probably g tan(theta).
 
But, is this relation correct?

mgsin30 = Fcos30

Furthermore, can you explain to me about the free body diagram? I can't see why a = g tan(theta)

Thanks.
 
Free body diagram mens the diagram showing all forces acting on a single body. For m it is in the attaqchment.
 

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As m is not in equlibrium N is not equal to mg cos@.
 
Mukundpa...Thanks a LOT...
 
  • #10
You are always Welcome :smile: :smile:
 

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