Confusing System of Masses Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Keeo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Confusing System
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum horizontal force that can be applied to a lower wooden block without causing an upper block to slip. The coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the blocks and the table are provided. Participants suggest starting with the friction force equation, emphasizing the importance of determining which block will slip first. A calculation example is given, illustrating how to find the friction force acting on the lower block. The conversation concludes with the original poster expressing gratitude for the guidance received.
Keeo
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
May somebody please help me on this question, I have no idea even where to begin.

A 0.5kg wooden block is placed on top of a 1.0kg wooden block. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0.35. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the lower block and the level table is 0.20. What is the maximum horizontal force that can be applied to the lower block without the upper block slipping?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi Keeo! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Hint: which will slip first, the upper block relative to the lower block, or the lower block relative to the table?

What is the maximum possible friction force between the upper block and the lower block? :smile:
 
Ok, I think I can help get you started on this one. For ease I'm calling the 1kg block m1 and the .5kg block m2. First think I would do is consider the equation fs= us*N where fs is the force of friction, us is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force on the block. So, for m1 you would do this: .2*(9.8*1kg) which would then give you 1.96 N as your fs1. Hint: This is in the opposite direction of the applied force. See if that can help start you out and then go from there.
 
Thanks for all of your help it has actually lead me to an answer. Also thank you for welcoming me here.:biggrin:
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Block Placed on Top of Another Block - Finding Max Force
Replies
5
Views
10K
Friction problem of a block sandwiched between 2 surfaces
Replies
6
Views
1K
Finding the time it takes for two stacked blocks to travel
Replies
18
Views
3K
Determining max horizontal force using friction coefficient
Replies
4
Views
6K
Forces/Dynamics: A block sliding on a plate
Replies
45
Views
7K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
Replies
17
Views
1K
Adding mass when a blocks rests on another block?
Replies
18
Views
2K
What Is the Maximum Horizontal Force to Apply Without the Upper Block Slipping?
Replies
12
Views
10K
Acceleration of a block on a moving wedge
Replies
6
Views
3K
Minimum force before a system of two blocks will move
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top