Acceleration of a Block Sliding Down a Wedge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of a block sliding down a wedge, focusing on the forces acting on both the block and the wedge. The problem involves analyzing free body diagrams (FBDs) and understanding the interactions between the block, the wedge, and the tension in the string connected to the block.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish a relationship between the accelerations of the block and the wedge using free body diagrams. They express uncertainty about how to determine the tension in the string. Some participants question the completeness of the force analysis and suggest considering the relative motion of the block and wedge.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relative motions of the block and wedge, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take or the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption of kinetic friction and the constraint that the block does not penetrate the wedge, which may influence the analysis of forces and motion.

Bling Fizikst
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Consider the wedge as '1' and block as '2' : i need to find ##a_{2/F}=a_{2/1}+a_{1/F}## .
The FBD of '1' : $$Mg\sin\theta - f=Ma_{1/F}$$ $$Mg\cos\theta=N$$
The FBD of '2' : $$mg - T =ma_{2/1}$$
Assuming kinetic friction : ##f=\mu Mg\cos\theta##. But how do i find ##T##?
 
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You are overlooking some forces. The string exerts a force on the pulley, while the wedge and block exert contact forces on each other.
You also have the constraint that the block does not penetrate the wedge.

But, unless I am missing something, the question is much simpler than it looks. Think about how the block moves relative to the wedge.
 
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Is this correct? Seems fairly complicated . How do i handle all these tension forces , moreover since it's an ideal pully , the net force acting on it would be zero .
 
Bling Fizikst said:
View attachment 361264
Is this correct? Seems fairly complicated . How do i handle all these tension forces , moreover since it's an ideal pully , the net force acting on it would be zero .
The net force on the pulley is zero, but the string exerts a force on it, so that force is transferred to the wedge.
As I wrote, think first about the relative motions of the two bodies.
 

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