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mantillab
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Homework Statement
The 1.0 kg block in the figure (attached) is tied to the wall with a rope. It sits on top of the 2.0 kg block. The lower block is pulled to the right with a tension force of 20 N. The coefficient of kinetic friction at both the lower and upper surfaces of the 2.0 kg block is mu_k = 0.500.
What is the tension in the rope holding the 1.0 kg block to the wall?
What is the acceleration of the 2.0 kg block?
Homework Equations
F_a on b = -F_b on a
a_ax = - a_bx
The Attempt at a Solution
I started by drawing force diagrams for both boxes and then calculating the net force in the x-direction for each box.
For box 1:
Fnet x = -T_1 - (mu_k)(n) = -1T_1 - (0.5)(9.8)(1) = -1T_1 - 4.9
For box 2:
Fnet x = T_2 - 2(mu_k)(n) = 20 - (2)(0.5)(20.6) = -0.6
At this point, I've tried to find the acceleration by setting the Fnet = ma, but get the wrong answer for the acceleration and solving for T_1. Anyone know where I may be making the mistake?