Block and wedge system all details

[smartyrohan12]

Homework Statement

okay this isn't really a question, but i didnt knew where to post it, tell me if it has to be posted somewhere else. a pic of the diagram would help a lot.
A block is kept on the top of a wedge of angle alpha, can u explain what all happens, keeping all surfaces frictionless, what are their velocities and acceleration.

Homework Equations

I don't know

The Attempt at a Solution

i only know that a mgsin(alpha) will act on the block, nothing else..

 

[grzz]

Draw a diagram.
Put in the forces acting on the block.
Resolve forces in components along the direction of motion and perpendicular to this direction.

 

[smartyrohan12]

but i want to know how will the wedge be affected as the surface is frictionless...

 

[grzz]

Draw a diagram and put in all the forces. It is good to make a contribution yourself first in line with the spirit of this forum.

 

[rwisz]

I appreciate your curiosity and interest in understanding the block and wedge system. To answer your question, let's first define what a block and wedge system is. A block and wedge system is a simple machine that consists of a block (a solid object with flat surfaces) and a wedge (a triangular-shaped object). When the block is placed on the wedge, the two objects form a system that can be used to lift or move heavy objects.

Now, let's address your question about what happens when a block is kept on top of a wedge with frictionless surfaces. In this scenario, the block will experience a force due to gravity, which is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (mg). This force will act downwards, towards the ground. Additionally, since the wedge has an angle alpha, a component of this force (mg sin(alpha)) will act in the direction of the wedge's inclined surface.

Since the surfaces are frictionless, there will be no opposing force acting on the block and wedge system. This means that the block will accelerate downwards with an acceleration equal to g sin(alpha). The wedge, on the other hand, will not accelerate since it is stationary. However, the wedge will experience a reaction force from the block, which will be equal in magnitude to the force exerted by the block on the wedge (mg sin(alpha)). This reaction force will act perpendicular to the inclined surface of the wedge.

In terms of velocities, the block will start with a velocity of 0 and will accelerate downwards due to the force of gravity. The wedge will remain stationary throughout the entire process.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the dynamics of a block and wedge system. If you have any further questions or would like me to clarify anything, please don't hesitate to ask. And for future reference, this type of question would be best posted in the Physics section of the forum. Good luck with your studies!