Block resting on slop with friction - statics

AI Thread Summary
A block of mass m is resting on a 20° slope with given coefficients of friction and is connected to a hanging block of mass m2 = 2.0 kg. The initial calculations for tension and normal force were incorrect due to misapplication of force components. The correct approach requires analyzing the forces perpendicular to the slope to determine the normal force accurately. The normal force is not simply mg or mgSin(20), but must account for the angle of the slope. Understanding these components is essential for solving the problem correctly.
y3ahright
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Homework Statement


a block of mass m resting on a 20° slope. The block has coefficients of friction µs = 0.80 and µk = 0.49 with the surface. It is connected via a massless string over a massless, frictionless pulley to a hanging block of mass m2 = 2.0 kg.

What is the minimum mass m that will stick and not slip?

Homework Equations



Newtons second law sum of the forces = mass * acceleration

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the hanging block to find the tension to be equal to 9.8*(2) = 19.6 N

With that found I found that n = mgSin(20) and T = µs * mgSin(20)

So 19.6 = .8*m 9.8Sin(20) and m = 7.309 kg

The online homework says this is incorrect and I have no idea of any other way to go about this problem any help is appreciated.

Thanks
 
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y3ahright said:
I used the hanging block to find the tension to be equal to 9.8*(2) = 19.6 N
Good.

With that found I found that n = mgSin(20) and T = µs * mgSin(20)
That's an incorrect expression for the normal force (wrong component of weight). And I assume you meant friction force, not T (for tension).

Hint: Three forces act on the block parallel to the incline.
 


Doc Al said:
Good.


That's an incorrect expression for the normal force (wrong component of weight).

I don't get what you mean by wrong component of weight, when i draw my FBD i have normal force going up and mg pointing down and

n - mg = 0 so n = mg but because its the 20 degree slope its n = mgSin20 ?
 


y3ahright said:
I don't get what you mean by wrong component of weight, when i draw my FBD i have normal force going up and mg pointing down and
While mg points down, the normal force doesn't point up--it's perpendicular to the surface, so it's at a angle.

n - mg = 0 so n = mg but because its the 20 degree slope its n = mgSin20 ?
It's not true that n = mg. To find the normal force, consider force components perpendicular to the surface--they must add to zero. What's the component of gravity perpendicular to the surface.
 
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