Calculating Friction Force on Two Accelerated Blocks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the friction force between two blocks that are being accelerated on a horizontal surface. The problem involves two blocks with given masses and a pulling force, and it seeks to understand the dynamics of the system, particularly the interaction between the blocks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the forces acting on the blocks, questioning how the acceleration affects the friction force between them. Some suggest considering the forces acting on the lower block and how they relate to the upper block.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering insights and hints to guide understanding. There is an emphasis on drawing force diagrams to visualize the problem, indicating a productive direction in the exploration of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify the source of the pulling force, leading to questions about the setup and assumptions regarding the system's dynamics.

buys.trevor
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2 blocks are accelerated across a horizontal frictionless surface as shown in a diagram (block on block getting pulled by a force, larger block on bottom). TH friction forces keep the 2 blocks from sliding relatice to each other, and the two move witha same acceleration. If F= 13.00 N, m1= 3.500 kg, and m2 = 6.200 kg, what is the size of the FRICTION FORCE of the large block on the small block?

I have no idea where to start! Please help!
 
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i think that only the box in the bottom is getting pulled. In that case, what is the force on the lower box? What will the acceleration be in the lower box due to this force? and finally, since the acceleration of the boxes are same, you can compute the force on the box kept above. Where does this force come from?
 
it doesn't say where the force comes from but it comes from the right of the blocks horizontal to the ground.
 
buy trevor s. said:
it doesn't say where the force comes from but it comes from the right of the blocks horizontal to the ground.

Hi buys.trevor! Welcome to PF! :smile:

HInt: draw a force diagram for the top box only.

What have you drawn? :smile:
 
Thanks to all that helped I finally figured it out after several hours hardcore studying!
 

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