Acceleration of Slab and Block: 58N Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a slab and a block subjected to a horizontal force of 58 N. The slab has a mass of 18 kg and the block has a mass of 12 kg, with static and kinetic friction coefficients of 0.30 and 0.20, respectively. The correct approach to calculate the accelerations of both the block and the slab involves understanding the forces acting on them, particularly the kinetic friction force between the block and the slab. The initial calculations for the block's acceleration were correct, but the approach for the slab's acceleration required reevaluation of the frictional forces involved.

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Homework Statement


A slab of mass m1 = 18 kg rests on a frictionless floor, and a block of mass m2 = 12 kg rests on top of the slab. Between block and slab, the coefficient of static friction is 0.30, and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.20. A horizontal force ,F of magnitude 58 N begins to pull directly on the block. What are the accelerations of (a) the block and (b) the slab?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Attempts for (a)
m1*a= F - fk
Solved for a.
I got it right.

Attempts for (b)
It's sliding (F > Fs) and there is no friction between floor and the slab.
I assumed the fk is pulling the slab. I put it in this way :
m2*a = fk.
Solved for a. But my answer is wrong.

fk = magnitude of kinetic friction between block and slab.
I would guess the equation for my (b) or my assumption is wrong.
 
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Looks right to me. Did you check your math and value for fk?
 
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PhanthomJay said:
Looks right to me. Did you check your math and value for fk?
I just checked it. It was right. Thank you for checking, phantomjay.
 

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