# Homework Help: Contact forces homework problem

1. Oct 7, 2005

Hello,

I have a problem and I would like to check my answers:

A mass m1 rests on top of another mass m2 , which in turn rests on a frictionless horizontal surface. A light cord is attached to
m2 ,which is used to pull on it witha force F.

a) Find the acceleration ofeach object when the surface between the two objects is frictionless.
I found for m1 : a1 =0 ( since frictionless between the surface of the 2 objects)
For m2 : a2 =F/ m2

b) Find the acceleration of each object when the surface the two objects is rough enough to ensure that m1 does not slide on m2

I found for m1 : a1 = -f1 / m1 where f1 is the friction force due to the contact of the 2 masses.

For m2 = ( f1 + F) / m2

c) What are the magnitude and direction of the contact forces exerced by the lower object on the upper one assuming that the upper object is sliding on the lower object with a non zero coefficient of kinectic μk?

For this question isn't the same as the precedent question. we just replace
f1= μk * N?

B

2. Oct 7, 2005

### mezarashi

I think you have a typo there for the m2 part. Anyway, how I would solve it is:

F = (m1 + m2)a

Since the objects are one and whole, their accelerations are the same. No need to do separate calculations

This one doesn't even require the coefficient. The mass $$m_2$$ is on $$m_1$$, so undeniably, the force that is giving $$m_2$$ the acceleration forward is the frictional force. Thus, knowing it's acceleration from part b.

Ffric = Fm2 = m2 x a = μFn = μgm2

^_^

3. Oct 7, 2005

Thanks a lot mezarashi

4. Oct 7, 2005

### Staff: Mentor

You have the wrong sign for the friction force. The friction on m1 is in the same direction as the acceleration:
$$a_1 = f/m_1$$
$$a_2 = (F - f)/m_2$$
Of course, $a_1 = a_2 = a$, since the two blocks move together. You can solve for the acceleration.

Much easier is to realize that $a = F/(m_1 + m_2)$, as mezarashi suggested.

Last edited: Oct 7, 2005