Calculating m for a Sloping Block with Increased Mass

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block on a slope, where the mass of the block is altered. The original poster presents calculations to determine the new mass required for equilibrium as the block's mass increases. The problem is situated within the context of forces acting on an inclined plane, specifically addressing static friction and gravitational forces.

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Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various equations related to forces on an incline, including static friction and gravitational components. There are attempts to derive the correct expressions for forces acting on the system, with some questioning the validity of the original poster's calculations and assumptions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning and calculations. Some participants suggest corrections to the original equations used, while others express confusion about specific steps in the calculations. There is no clear consensus on the correctness of the original poster's approach, but several participants are engaged in clarifying the methodology.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of including the angle of the incline in calculations and question the assumptions made regarding the forces involved. There is also mention of differing values for static friction and the normal force, indicating potential misunderstandings in the application of physics principles.

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The block of 50kg with m =30kg is in the verge of moving down the slope where theta = 20degree, determine the new value of m when the mass of block is increased more to 20kg .

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I have done in this way , is it okay ?

(50-30)(9.81) = Fs

196.2 = Us (50 x 9.81 cos20)

Us= 0.43

(70-m)(9.81) = 0.43(70 x 9.81 cos20 )

m = 41.7kg
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Your way of solving it isn't correct! You cannot add two vertical vectors (weight of M and weight of m) and get a vector with horizontal AND vertical components! In the first equation, you are omitting the angle of the incline, you can't do that.

From Newton's Second Law (assuming acceleration is zero and hanging block is moving down)

∑Fx = 0
⇒ mg - Mgsinθ - Fs - FT + FT = 0
⇒ Fs = g(m - Msinθ)

Since the system is on the verge of moving, the static friction has reached its maximum and thus:

→ Fs(max) = Fs = μsFN

Therefore;

μsFN=g(m - Msinθ)
 
faradayscat said:
Your way of solving it isn't correct! You cannot add two vertical vectors (weight of M and weight of m) and get a vector with horizontal AND vertical components! In the first equation, you are omitting the angle of the incline, you can't do that.

From Newton's Second Law (assuming acceleration is zero and hanging block is moving down)

∑Fx = 0
⇒ mg - Mgsinθ - Fs - FT + FT = 0
⇒ Fs = g(m - Msinθ)

Since the system is on the verge of moving, the static friction has reached its maximum and thus:

→ Fs(max) = Fs = μsFN

Therefore;

μsFN=g(m - Msinθ)
using mg-Mg(sin theta) = Fs
i have 30(9.81) -5099.81)(sin20) =Fs
Fs= 126.5 N
126.5=Us(50x9.81xsin20)
Us= 0.75

(70-m)(9.81)= 483.9 , m = 20.7kg , but thge ans given is 41.7 kg ,
is the ans given wrong ?
 
goldfish9776 said:
using mg-Mg(sin theta) = Fs
i have 30(9.81) -5099.81)(sin20) =Fs
Fs= 126.5 N
126.5=Us(50x9.81xsin20)
Us= 0.75

(70-m)(9.81)= 483.9 , m = 20.7kg , but thge ans given is 41.7 kg ,
is the ans given wrong ?

My mistake, I forgot to correct your second formula. Like I said, ##(M-m)g## is incorrect, so is ##(70-m)(9.8)##.

This is the equation you should use, as derived previously from Fs=g(m-Msinθ):

→μsFN=g(m - Msinθ)
⇒μsMgcosθ=g(m - Msinθ)

This time M=70kg and m is unknown, you already have μs.

Also, be careful with your trigonometry. The normal force is ##(50)(9.8)cos(20°)## not ##(50)(9.8)sin(20°)##

Do you understand why?
 
Last edited:
faradayscat said:
My mistake, I forgot to correct your second formula. Like I said, ##(M-m)g## is incorrect, so is ##(70-m)(9.8)##.

This is the equation you should use, as derived previously from Fs=g(m-Msinθ):

→μsFN=g(m - Msinθ)
⇒μsMgcosθ=g(m - Msinθ)

This time M=70kg and m is unknown, you already have μs.

Also, be careful with your trigonometry. The normal force is ##(50)(9.8)cos(20°)## not ##(50)(9.8)sin(20°)##

Do you understand why?
so , is my method shown above correct?
 
No it is incorrect since you forgot to include the angle of the incline into your equations. Can you show me how you got your previous answer? Maybe it will help if I point out some mistakes there.
 
faradayscat said:
No it is incorrect since you forgot to include the angle of the incline into your equations. Can you show me how you got your previous answer? Maybe it will help if I point out some mistakes there.
this is what i gt
30(9.81) -5099.81)(sin20) =Fs
Fs= 126.5 N
126.5=Us(50x9.81xsin20)
Us= 0.75

(70-m)(9.81)= 483.9 , m = 20.7kg
 
faradayscat said:
No it is incorrect since you forgot to include the angle of the incline into your equations. Can you show me how you got your previous answer? Maybe it will help if I point out some mistakes there.
which part of my qorking that i forgot to include the inclined angle?
 
faradayscat said:
No it is incorrect since you forgot to include the angle of the incline into your equations. Can you show me how you got your previous answer? Maybe it will help if I point out some mistakes there.
can you take at look on my another thread , why the tension from 100kg to the roller(up) and the tension from point B to roller doesn't cancel each other?

in the above question , the tension cancel each other?
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/total-forces-acting-downward-on-the-plane.851538/
 
  • #10
First of all, like I said, normal force is
$$Mgcosθ$$
And NOT
$$Mgsinθ$$

So your answer of ##126.5N## is incorrect as well as your value of the coefficient of static friction of ##0.75##.

Second of all, you should follow my derivation because this equation you are using

##(M-m)g = μMgcosθ##

Is incorrect as well, it should be

##(Msinθ-m)g = μMgcosθ##

Could you please show me the work you did by your own and how you got the correct answer? Please show how you used Newton's Second Law too so I could help you understand better!
 
  • #11
faradayscat said:
First of all, like I said, normal force is
$$Mgcosθ$$
And NOT
$$Mgsinθ$$

So your answer of ##126.5N## is incorrect as well as your value of the coefficient of static friction of ##0.75##.

Second of all, you should follow my derivation because this equation you are using

##(M-m)g = μMgcosθ##

Is incorrect as well, it should be

##(Msinθ-m)g = μMgcosθ##

Could you please show me the work you did by your own and how you got the correct answer? Please show how you used Newton's Second Law too so I could help you understand better!
30(9.81)-50(9.81)sin20 = Fs
Fs=126.5N,
126.5= Us(50x9.81xcos20)
Us= 0.27

(70-m)(9.81) = 0.27 ( 70x9.81xcos20)

m=51.7kg , is it correct?
 
  • #12
Not quite, where are you getting (70-m) from?
 
  • #13
faradayscat said:
Not quite, where are you getting (70-m) from?
when the mass of block is increased more 20kg , caqn you post your working again ?i'm confused now
 
  • #14
faradayscat said:
Not quite, where are you getting (70-m) from?
nvm , focus on the Fs first , you said that my method of finding Fs is incorrect... how to get it correctly ?
 
  • #15
Ok, my bad. I uploaded a picture of my work, hopefully this will help.
 

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  • #16
faradayscat said:
Ok, my bad. I uploaded a picture of my work, hopefully this will help.
that proves my Fs is correct
 
  • #17
##196.2N## is not the value of Fs. It does work to find the mass of ##m##, but you get incorrect values for the coefficient of static friction and frictional force.

Don't forget to use the correct sign for your forces... you should use ##-126.5N## instead of ##126.5N##.
 
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  • #18
goldfish9776 said:
30(9.81)-50(9.81)sin20 = Fs
You have that step right now, but it doesn't match what you did in the 70kg case:
goldfish9776 said:
(70-m)(9.81)
Restructure that expression so that it follows the same form as in the 50kg version. (there are two differences.)
 

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