Can You Solve This Two-Body Dynamics Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a two-body dynamics problem involving two blocks with masses of 6.8 kg and 3.4 kg, and static friction coefficients of μs=0.34 and μs=0.65, respectively. An external force of 18N is applied to the top block. The maximum force that can be applied to the lower block without causing the upper block to slip is determined by analyzing the forces and accelerations acting on both blocks. The equations derived indicate that the applied force must overcome the static friction between the blocks while considering their combined inertia.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of static friction and its coefficients
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams
  • Familiarity with basic algebraic manipulation of equations
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in classical mechanics, particularly in understanding dynamics involving friction and multiple bodies.

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Homework Statement



Two blocks are stack on each other. The lower block has a mass of 6.8kg and μs=0.34 with the floor. The top block has a mass of 3.4kg and μs=0.65 between the two blocks. A force of 18N is being applied to the top box to the left. What maximum force can be applied to the lower block without the upper block slipping? What is the acceleration of the system?

Homework Equations



Fx= max

The Attempt at a Solution


I drew free body diagrams for the system, and started the 3 equations as the following;

for mA,
Fx= mAax
T- μsη-mAgsinθ= mAax 1)Fy= maay
η-magcosθ=0for mB,
Fx= mBax
mBg-T=mBax 2)I think I should add 1) and 2) to each other so I can get rid of T but I'm not sure about where I should go from here.
 
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Since the OP has chosen an unusual set of variable names and not defined them, I cannot comment on the equations given.

The first thing to check is the state of things with no force applied to the lower block. We find that the 18N is sufficient neither to make the top block slide on the lower block, nor to make both blocks slide on the table.
Next, we must ask what the force applied to the lower block must do in order to make the blocks slide relative to each other. If it also makes nothing move then the 18N still won't. So the extra force must make the lower block accelerate so fast that the combination of the top block's inertia and the 18N force overcomes the static friction.

|mAsA|<|FA+amA|, where the acceleration a is measured oppositely to the 18N force.
Note that this has two solutions.
To achieve this acceleration, a(mA+mB)=FB+/-(mA+mB)gμkB, where the +/- sign is opposite to the sign of FB.
Since we are not told any coefficients of kinetic friction, we cannot go further without making assumptions.
 

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