Find the mass of a block on an inclined pulley

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the mass of block A, which is pulling a 4 kg block down an incline of 35 degrees at a constant speed of 2 m/s. The coefficient of friction is 0.12. The required force to maintain this motion is calculated using the equation F = Fg + KE, resulting in a force of 47.24 N. To solve for the unknown mass of block A, it is essential to apply Newton's laws and create free body diagrams for both blocks, leading to a system of equations that can be solved simultaneously.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of free body diagrams
  • Familiarity with forces on inclined planes
  • Basic principles of kinetic energy and friction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study how to create and analyze free body diagrams for multiple objects
  • Learn about the application of Newton's second law in systems with pulleys
  • Research the effects of friction on inclined planes
  • Explore the relationship between mass, weight, and acceleration in physics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of inclined plane problems and pulley systems.

mt05
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Homework Statement


Block A is traveling down an incline plane of 35 degrees at 2m/s. It's pulling a 4kg block with a pulley and rope. Coefficient of friction is.12. How heavy must block A be ?

Homework Equations


F=MA
F = WsinΦ + μWcosΦ
mgh = 1/2 mv^2 + WD to overcome friction
Vf^2 = u^2 + 2as

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having a hard time thinking through this question. I know how to find the forces on an inclined plane and I understand that it needs to overcome the force of the 4kg block and accelerate it to 2m/s. Whenever I see velocity I automatically think of the linear velocity and acceleration equations. I'm not even sure where to begin. I've tried the above equations but it seems like I'm always missing a value. If someone could point me in the right direction I will try and post on here.

thanks
 
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Here is nothing in the problem that implies acceleration. It is moving at a constant speed of 2 m/s.
 
yes, thank you.

F = Fg + KE
F = (4)(9.81) + 1/2(4)(2^2)
F = 47.24 N (so this is required force that block A must pull in order to move 4kg box at 2m/s)

I'm struggling to think of finding the force that an unknown mass has.
 
mt05 said:
yes, thank you.

F = Fg + KE
F = (4)(9.81) + 1/2(4)(2^2)
F = 47.24 N (so this is required force that block A must pull in order to move 4kg box at 2m/s)

I'm struggling to think of finding the force that an unknown mass has.
Your equation makes no sense. It is for starters dimensionally incorrect, since the gravity force is in Newtons and KE is in Newton-meters. And surely the angle of the incline comes into play.
You should start by drawing free body diagrams of each block, identify the forces acting on each, both known and unknown, and apply Newton’s laws. Which one of Newton’s laws applies for objects moving at constant velocity? You should end up with two equations with two unknowns, solve. The speed of the block is irrelevant.
 

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