Recent content by swordthrower

Gotcha. So you're assuming that the question is asking for the maximum mass of block C such that block B doesn't slip. That would make sense. Who knew physics question forensics would be so much fun?!

As always, it's best to start with the general form of the applicable physical principle. In this case, what is the relationship between induced emf and magnetic flux?

Instead of telling us what equation you used, frame it in terms of the physics concepts that you are using to solve the problem. For example, explain how you will apply conservation of momentum and conservation of energy.

Okay, I see what you were saying. The 2nd approach still assumes both plates are present, but only considers one of the plates. In this case, you are making a simplification based on the symmetry of the problem. Because the plates have opposite charges but the same charge density, you know from...

I don't understand your statement "We now seem to assume no field passes out one side of the plates" for the 2nd approach. Why are you making this assumption? And what do you hope to accomplish by only considering one plate?

It would be useful here to keep in mind what criteria need to be met for linear momentum to be conserved.

I would suggest taking more upper level math courses, and you might even want to look into the requirements for a math minor (that's what I did for undergrad - physics major and math minor). It will probably involve real and/or complex analysis and maybe some stats or, since you are going to be...

Because the horizontal surface is frictionless, there is no static configuration for this system. The acceleration is mCg/(mA+mB+mC), which can only be zero if mC is zero or mA+mB is infinite.

This is a tricky problem, so it is very important that you really think about how to approach it instead of just trying different things. Can you describe what is physically happening here? It would be a useful exercise to solve for the case with a constant force for comparison. Then...

You have a set of 3 equations and 4 unknowns. Adding them together is a good way to isolate the variables you want, but you still are under-constrained. Regardless, the problem is incomplete and there needs to be another piece of information (most likely about the acceleration of the blocks)...

As written, the problem statement is incomplete. Without knowing how the system is moving, there is no way to determine the mass of C (as evidenced by the fact that you have 3 equations and 4 unknowns - T, FS, a, mC). The last part of your solution is incorrect because FS will depend on the...

Yes, the number gets smaller with better resolution. Think of it this way - the angular resolution tells you the minimum angular separation at which two point sources could be resolved, or in other words, seen without blurring together. In your example, an angular resolution of 26.25" means...