Solve Friction Problem: Find What Happens to A & B

In summary, when a constant force is applied on object A, with a mass of m1, and there is a frictionless floor, object B, with a mass of m2, will apply a frictional force, f = μm2g, on object A. This is due to Newton's third law, where object A will also apply this same force on object B in the opposite direction. Both objects will then be accelerated, with accelerations of a1 and a2 for objects A and B, respectively. If a1 > a2, object B will rotate and fall down. If a2 > a1, object A will catch up to object B, causing the normal reaction and frictional force between them to become
  • #1
arpon
235
16

Homework Statement


upload_2015-1-18_13-26-53.png

##A## and ##B## are two objects with mass ##m_1## and ##m_2## respectively. The floor is frictionless. The kinetic friction coefficient between ##A## and ##B## is ##\mu## ; A constant force ##F## is applied on ##A##. Assume, ##F## is greater than the limiting static frictional force. So, ##B## will apply a frictional force, ##f = \mu m_2 g## on ##A##. According to Newton's third law, ##A## will also apply the same force ##f## on ##B## in the opposite direction. So, ##A## and ##B## both will be accelarated (Suppose, ##f < F##). Let, the accelaration of ##A## and ##B## be ##a_1## and ##a_2## respectively.
If, ##a_1 > a_2##, at some moment the situation will be like this:
upload_2015-1-18_13-26-31.png
And, if ##a_2 > a_1## , it will be like this:
upload_2015-1-18_13-26-8.png
What will happen afterwards?

Homework Equations


##\mu = \frac {f}{R} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


In the first case, ##B## will rotate and fall down. But what will be the axis of rotation and angular velocity?
In the second case, after a moment, the center of gravity of ##B## will be ahead of the edge of ##A##. So, the normal reaction is ##0## on the surface between ##A## and ##B##, so the frictional force is also ##0##. Hence, B will not be accelerated forward anymore, but ##A## will. And so, ##A## will catch the center of gravity of ##B## again in a moment. So, I think ##B## will not fall in this situation and will remain as it is in the third picture.
 
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  • #2
In the first case, the upper block would turn over the edge of A, as gravity exerts a positive torque about it as soon as the CM moves over the edge.
You are right about the second case. Friction opposes relative motion of the surfaces in contact. If it happened that a2>a1, block B would move forward with higher speed then block A. Then friction would retard B and would accelerate A, till they moved with the same velocity, and then the friction between them became static.
 

1. What is friction and why is it important to solve friction problems?

Friction is the force that occurs when two surfaces come into contact and resist each other's motion. It is important to solve friction problems because it can affect the efficiency and performance of machines and also play a key role in everyday activities such as walking and driving.

2. What are the factors that affect friction?

The factors that affect friction include the type of surfaces in contact, the force pressing the surfaces together, and the roughness of the surfaces.

3. How do you calculate the force of friction?

The force of friction can be calculated using the formula: F = μN, where F is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force (the force pressing the surfaces together).

4. What is the coefficient of friction and how is it determined?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless number that represents the amount of friction between two surfaces. It is determined by conducting experiments and measuring the force of friction for different pairs of surfaces.

5. How do you solve a friction problem and find out what happens to A and B?

To solve a friction problem, you must first identify the forces acting on A and B and determine the coefficient of friction between them. Then, you can use the formula F = μN to calculate the force of friction and determine its direction. Finally, you can use the laws of motion to determine the resulting motion of A and B.

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