Blocks and Strings, Force Analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block of mass M connected to a particle of mass m via a light inextensible string. The scenario assumes smooth contacts and requires determining the acceleration of the block after the system is released.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply free body diagrams and translational equations to find the accelerations of both the block and the particle. Some participants question the tension in the string and suggest that it may not be simply T, but rather 4T, prompting a reevaluation of the forces acting on the block.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the forces involved and the relationships between the accelerations of the block and the particle. There is acknowledgment of differing interpretations regarding the tension in the string, which may influence the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are exploring the implications of the normal and string constraints on the system's behavior, and there is a noted discrepancy between the original poster's calculated answer and the expected correct answer.

phoenixXL
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Homework Statement


A block of mass M is connected with a particle of mass m by a light in-extensible string as shown in the figure. Assuming all the contacts as smooth, find the acceleration of the block after releasing the system.
2wmhw5u.png

Homework Equations


F = Mass * Acceleration
Normal Constraint : The acceleration of two particles in contact is same along the line perpendicular to their line of contact.
String Constraint : The length of the string is constant and could be used to find out the acceleration of the corresponding components using differentiation(using geometry).

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the FBD and Translational equations
501504.png


The particle will have the acceleration both in x and y direction. The block will have the acceleration in x direction due to tension in the string and contact force .

for block M
\ T\ -\ N\ =\ Ma_x

The particle's acceleration in the x direction will be the same as that of the block in the x direction in accordance to the normal constraint.

for particle m
mg\ -\ T\ =\ ma_y\\<br /> \ N\ =\ ma_x\\<br /> \implies\ T\ =\ (m+M)a_x<br />

Using string constraint we get than the particle's acceleration in the y-direction would be 4times the acceleration of the particle in x-direction
4a_x\ =\ a_y\\<br /> \implies\ mg\ -\ T\ =\ 4ma_x\\<br /> \implies\ mg\ -\ (m+M)a_x\ =\ 4ma_x\\<br /> \implies\ a_x\ =\ \frac{mg}{5m+M}<br />

But the answer I get is wrong and the correct answer is \frac{4mg}{17m+M}

Please help me out. :smile:
Thanks for your time
 
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phoenixXL said:
\ T\ -\ N\ =\ Ma_x
Look at all those horizontal sections under tension. What are they pulling on?
 
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Right that won't be T but 4T.
ie 4T\ -\ N\ =\ Ma_x
 
Thanks for your input.
I get the correct answer
 

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