Questions on Forces & Friction: Analyzing Plate & Block Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of a plate and block system, particularly analyzing the forces acting on a plate attached to a pin and the implications of friction on block motion. Participants clarify that the horizontal acceleration (Ax) acts as the centripetal force, enabling the plate to rotate around the pin. The conversation highlights the role of friction in preventing the block from slipping when the surface accelerates horizontally, emphasizing that without the pin, the center of mass of the block would move vertically down due to gravity. The interaction between centripetal force and gravitational forces is crucial for understanding the motion of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Free Body Diagrams (FBD)
  • Knowledge of centripetal force and its components
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic principles of friction in mechanics
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  • Study the concept of centripetal acceleration in rotating systems
  • Learn about the effects of friction on motion in inclined planes
  • Explore advanced Free Body Diagram techniques for complex systems
  • Investigate the dynamics of systems with constraints, such as pins and hinges
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Pipsqueakalchemist
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Homework Statement
Questions below
Relevant Equations
Newton’s 2nd law
So I have questions on two separate questions. The first question is about the fbd of the plate attached to the pin. How can there be an Ax since there’s no other force in the horizontal direction wouldn’t the plate start moving on the x-direction due to imbalanced forces.

Second question about the elevator question. I knew how to do the problem but I do have some confusion. I have my work below and for the 0.4Nb=100*1.5*alpha part, I’m confused bc since friction is the only force horizontal force acting on the block wouldn’t the block move and slip?
 

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Without the pin restricting movement along the x-axis, the center of mass of the block will move vertically down.
The pin provides the centripetal acceleration that deviates the mass from the more natural straight vertical trajectory.
 
But when you write Equation of motion in the x direction. Ax is the only force so wouldn’t that imply it’s accelerating in the x direction. I originally thought the FBD would just be W and Ay
 
Pipsqueakalchemist said:
But when you write Equation of motion in the x direction. Ax is the only force so wouldn’t that imply it’s accelerating in the x direction. I originally thought the FBD would just be W and Ay
The diagram shows the CoM of the plate moving in a circle in the x-y plane and not initially in the y-direction. There must, therefore, be a force on the plate (from the hinge) in the x-direction.
 
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Pipsqueakalchemist said:
Second question about the elevator question. I knew how to do the problem but I do have some confusion. I have my work below and for the 0.4Nb=100*1.5*alpha part, I’m confused bc since friction is the only force horizontal force acting on the block wouldn’t the block move and slip?
I'm not sure where the confusion lies. If a block is resting on a surface and the surfaces accelerates in the horizontal direction, then the friction may accelerate the block with the surface; or, if the friction is insufficient, the block will slide backwards relative to the surface.
 
PeroK said:
The diagram shows the CoM of the plate moving in a circle in the x-y plane and not initially in the y-direction. There must, therefore, be a force on the plate (from the hinge) in the x-direction.
Oh so the Ax acts as the centripetal force right?
 
Pipsqueakalchemist said:
Oh so the Ax acts as the centripetal force right?
The centripetal force has an x-component, yes.
 
PeroK said:
The centripetal force has an x-component, yes.
So the pin A is the centripetal force causing the plate to rotate around A
 
Lnewqban said:
Without the pin restricting movement along the x-axis, the center of mass of the block will move vertically down.
The pin provides the centripetal acceleration that deviates the mass from the more natural straight vertical trajectory.
Wait how do you it would move down. Why couldn’t it move up or stay in static equilibrium?
 
  • #10
Pipsqueakalchemist said:
So the pin A is the centripetal force causing the plate to rotate around A
The centripetal force is a component of the net force: the vector addition of gravity and the reaction force at the pin.
 
  • #11
Pipsqueakalchemist said:
Wait how do you it would move down. Why couldn’t it move up or stay in static equilibrium?
Because the direction of the represented force (24 Kg x 9.8 m/s^2).
 

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