Block on movable wedge pulley system

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the acceleration of a block on a movable wedge and the wedge's acceleration. It is established that when the wedge moves a distance x, the string's length changes at three points, leading to a misunderstanding of the block's movement. The correct relationship indicates that the acceleration of the wedge is twice that of the block with respect to the wedge. Participants clarify that the total change in string length must remain constant, emphasizing the need to account for both horizontal and sloped segments of the string. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately analyzing the mechanics involved in the system.
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Homework Statement



What is the relationship between " acceleration of block with respect to wedge" and "acceleration of wedge " ?

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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



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If the wedge moves by x units , then the string gets loosened/shortened at three places . The top two are x units .The last one in red is xcosθ .The total effect is the block moves down by a distance (2 + cosθ)x .

So, if acceleration of the wedge is 'a' then acceleration of block with respect to wedge aB,W = (2+cosθ)a .

But , this is incorrect .

Where am I getting it wrong ?

Many Thanks

 

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sorry the ans should accof wedge=2acc of blockwrtwedge
 
Yash123 said:
sorry the ans should accof wedge=2acc of blockwrtwedge

Could you explain your reasoning as well as point out flaw in my reasoning ?

@haruspex , @ehild please see this problem .
 
If to displace the wedge by let's say x meters then the string which you marked with green will displace x similarly the blue one would move x too hence total disp in x dir would be equal = 2x this would result in the increase of length in the red string as the string is inextensible...
what you did is you assumed the the string connected to block will definitely move x cos(theta) that's not correct...
 
If the wedge moves to the right a distance of x, I agree that the two horizontal rope segments decrease in length by x (as you have shown). But isn't it true that whatever length the rope decreased in those segments has to be the same as the increase in the length of the sloped segment of rope? The rope has to stay the same length, true? So if you lost a total of x+x=2x length of rope in the horizontal segments, don't you have to gain that same amount in the sloped segment?
 
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Vibhor said:

Homework Statement



What is the relationship between " acceleration of block with respect to wedge" and "acceleration of wedge " ?

?temp_hash=34175f5b3d5bcd80ca21b4a65ba7db0c.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



?temp_hash=34175f5b3d5bcd80ca21b4a65ba7db0c.png


If the wedge moves by x units , then the string gets loosened/shortened at three places . The top two are x units .The last one in red is xcosθ .The total effect is the block moves down by a distance (2 + cosθ)x .
The horizontal part of the sting gets shorter by 2x. So the part along the wedge gets longer by 2x. If the velocity of the wedge is V, the relative velocity of the block with respect to the wedge is vr=2V. You should consider the x component of that relative velocity. The the x component of velocity of the block with respect to the ground is the sum of V and the x component of vr.
 
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