How Does Pulley Friction Affect Block Acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of two blocks connected by a pulley system, with block A weighing 10 lb and moving downward, while block B weighs 4 lb and experiences kinetic friction. The user attempts to derive the tensions and accelerations using equations of motion but expresses uncertainty about their results. They calculate the tension to be 12 N and find accelerations of a_A = 45.08 ft/s² and a_B = -90.16 ft/s². There is a note about the importance of consistent units in calculations, highlighting the confusion caused by mixing units. The thread seeks assistance in verifying the calculations and understanding the effects of pulley friction on block acceleration.
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Homework Statement


At a given instant block A of weight 10-lb is moving downward with speed 6 ft/s. Determine its speed at a later time t = 2s. Block B has a weight 4lb and the coefficient of kinetic friction between it and the horizontal plane is μ = 0.2. Neglect the mass of the pulleys and cord.

unknown.jpg


T = 3.385 a_{A} = 10.403 ft/s^{2} a_{B} = - 20.806 ft/s^{2}

not sure if these are correct seeing i get different answers.

Homework Equations



T - \mu_{k}w_{B} = \frac{-w_{B}}{g}a_{B}

2T - w_{A} = (\frac{-w_{A}}{g}) (-a_{A})

2a_{A} + a_{B} = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



since 2a_{A} + a_{B} = 0 i'd solve for a_{A} and a_{B} in the first 2 equations and sub into the third one

2(\frac{2Tg}{w_{A}} - g) + (\frac{-Tg}{w_{B}} + \mu_{k}g) = 0

then i solve for T

\frac{2g - \mu_{k}g}{g(\frac{4}{w_{A}} - \frac{1}{w_{B}})} = T

T= 12N

then sub back into one of the first 2 equations to solve for either a_{A} or a_{B}.

a_{B} = -90.16ft/s^{2}
a_{A} = 45.08ft/s^{2}

any help would b nice
cheers,
 
Last edited:
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ft/sec

lbs

m/s

m/s2

Unit potpourri is never a good recipe.
 
LowlyPion said:
ft/sec

lbs

m/s

m/s2

Unit potpourri is never a good recipe.
it was late...i changed the units, i was just used to m/s^{2} from previous physics courses...
 
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