Find the mass of a block on an inclined pulley

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block traveling down an inclined plane while pulling another block via a pulley system. The incline angle is 35 degrees, and the coefficient of friction is given. The original poster seeks to determine the mass of the first block based on the forces acting on the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster discusses their understanding of forces on inclined planes and expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem. They mention using equations related to forces and motion but feel they are missing a value.
  • Some participants point out that the block is moving at a constant speed, which implies no acceleration, prompting a reevaluation of the forces involved.
  • One participant attempts to calculate the required force to move the second block but struggles with the concept of finding the force related to an unknown mass.
  • Another participant suggests drawing free body diagrams and applying Newton's laws, emphasizing the need to identify all forces acting on the blocks.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on analyzing the forces and suggested methods for approaching the problem, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of constant velocity and the role of friction in the problem. There is a noted confusion regarding the dimensional consistency of the equations being used, and the angle of the incline is highlighted as a significant factor that needs to be considered.

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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