Calculating Forces and Acceleration in a Two-Block System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating forces and acceleration in a two-block system involving a mass on a table and a hanging mass. The original poster presents a scenario with specific masses, acceleration, and friction, seeking to determine the force and tension in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's laws and the need for free body diagrams for each mass. There are attempts to formulate equations based on the forces acting on the blocks, with some questioning the correctness of the original equations presented.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the equations used by the original poster, with some participants suggesting that the equations may not be correctly distinguishing between the two masses. Guidance is being offered to analyze each block separately, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential errors in the setup and assumptions made in the original equations, emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying forces acting on each mass in the system.

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Homework Statement



The constant force that works in the object M=5 kg forces the object with mass m=4 kg to move with acceleration a=2 m/s^2.
The coefficient of friction between M and the table is 0.2.
Determine
a)F=? b) T=?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


SOLUTION:
F-Ff=(m)*a Here I find F
and here I find F
B) F-(T+Ff)=m*a or T=m2*g ;G-T=m*g

Picture to help you http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r549/Elaia06/jh.jpg

Edited: Maybe it is F-Ff=(m+M)*a where Ff =M*g*0.2?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Draw a free body diagram of each mass separately (one for m and one for M). For the mass on the table, there is another force besides F and F-f acting in the x direction. For the hanging mass there are 2 forces acting. Use Newton 2 for each and solve the 2 equations for the 2 unknowns.
 
I know,its also the tension but I want to know if my equations are written in the right way?
 
They are not. First distinguish between m and M. Write your force equations for each block.
 
I edited it
 
Do not solve it this way. You will be headed for trouble. Look at each block separately please.
 
Last edited:

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