2 blocks, a light string and kinetic friction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around two boxes of fruit on a frictionless surface connected by a light string, with a 50N force applied to the 20-kg box. The acceleration of both boxes is calculated to be 1.7 m/s², and the tension in the string is determined to be 17 N. The second part of the problem introduces a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.10, prompting the need to apply Newton's second law to account for frictional forces. The user seeks clarification on calculating the friction force and how to incorporate it into the equations to find the correct acceleration and tension. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately determining the friction force to solve the problem effectively.
Trista
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So, there are two boxes of fruit on a frictionless horizontal surface and are connected by a light string. m1=10kg, m2=20kg. A force of 50N is applied to the 20-kg box.
There are two questions to answer, I already answered a:
Determine the acceleration of each box, and the tension in the string:
a= F/m1+m2 = 50N/30kg = 1.7 m/s^2 and T=m1a ... T=10kg(1.7 m/s) = 17 N.
This is the one I can't figure out, b:
Repeat the problem for the case where the coefficient of kinetic friction between each box and the surface is 0.10. So, mu k = .10
I figured that the equation to use is Newtons 2nd Law, sum Fx=T-fk=m1a1. But I can't get it to work. I actually know the answer, but I don't know how to get there. Any help?:confused:
 
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Remember that the force of friction is always hold your force. So the sum of the forces will be:

Fp - Ffriction = ma

Find the friction and plug the number in.

Then you can find our answer
 
Thank You

got it. I appreciate your help.
 
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