Dynamics of a Box attached to a pully

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem involving two bodies connected by a pulley, with specific weights and friction coefficients. The user initially calculates the acceleration of body A when at rest and while moving, but encounters a discrepancy in the results, mistaking the units for mass and weight. After correcting the calculations by converting weight to mass, the user arrives at an acceleration of approximately -3.82 m/s², which aligns closely with the expected answer of -3.9 m/s². The conversation highlights the importance of distinguishing between mass and weight in physics problems. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for careful unit management in calculations.
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Homework Statement


Body A in Fig. 6-33 weighs 102 N, and body B weighs 32 N. The coefficients of friction between A and the incline are μs 0.56 and μk 0.25. Angle θ is 40. Let the positive direction of an x-axis be up the incline. In unit-vector notation, what is the acceleration of A if A is initially (a) at rest, (b) moving up the incline, and (c) moving down
the incline?

Free body diagram: http://postimg.org/image/fh6livrer/

See attached picture (problem 27)
http://postimg.org/image/5svunp27z/

Homework Equations


Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



Clearly the answer to part a is 0-- I'm stuck on part b.

For B, F_{Net, y}= -m_B a_y = F_T -m_B g \rightarrow F_T = m_B g - m a_y

For A, F_{Net, x}=ma_x = - \mu _k m_A g cos(40) +F_T - m_A g sin(40)

Plugging in the information,

102 a= -0.25*102*cos(40)+32-32a -102sin(40) \rightarrow a=-.39

However, the book lists the correct answer as -3.9, so I'm off by a power of ten. Where did I go wrong?
 
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Be sure to distinguish between mass and weight.
 
D'oh! It should be

<br /> \frac {102}{9.8} a= -0.25*102*cos(40)+32- \frac {32}{9.8}a -102sin(40) \rightarrow a=-3.82

Thanks!
 
Good.
(I get -3.88 m/s2, but close enough).
 
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