Finding Tension and Acceleration: Coefficient of Friction Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter splac6996
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Tension
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 2.0 kg block on a table with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.260. Participants are discussing how to find the tension in the rope and the acceleration of the system involving multiple weights.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the setup of free body diagrams and force equations for the blocks involved. There is discussion about the relationship between tension and acceleration, as well as the forces acting on each weight. Some participants express uncertainty about how to incorporate the forces into their equations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the equations needed to solve for tension and acceleration. Some participants have provided guidance on ensuring consistent force directions and the need for multiple equations due to the presence of multiple unknowns. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the information provided may be insufficient for a complete analysis, particularly regarding the forces acting on the weights and the relationships between them.

splac6996
Messages
37
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The coefficient of kinetic friction between the 2.0 kg block in figure and the table is 0.260.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I set up my free body diagram and from there my force equations for all three systems I believe that I need to find an equation for tension and from that find accelaration by doing some substitution but I am getting stuck.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
You haven't given us enough information to tell where you are getting stuck. What's the total force on each object in terms of the unknown tension T? Keep all of the forces going in the same direction along the rope. Finally remember all of the accelerations are equal.
 
That is where I am getting stuck I now that the only reactions on the 1.0kg weight and the 3kg weight is Tension and mg but I am not sure how to use that in my equation for my 2.0kg weight which is

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fx=2T-fk=ma
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fy=N-mg=0
 
The two tensions acting on the 2kg weight are likely not equal. You'll get three unknowns (the two unknown tensions and the acceleration). Luckily you have three objects to do a force balance on so you will get three equations.
 
SO SHOULD MY EQUATION FOR ACCELERATION LOOK LIKE THIS
(T1-T2-fk)/m=a
 
YES BUT BE SURE YOU GET THE FORCE DIRECTIONS CONSISTENT. Like all in the same direction along the rope.
 
thanks for walking me through that
 

Similar threads

Is it friction or tension acting on the person hanging on a rope?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Why is the tension force equal to friction force
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
Newton's Second Law (Pulley Sustem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Tension force and acceleration Problem
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Tension in a deformed cylindrical bag on a surface
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
What is the relationship between tension and mass in a system with friction?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Rocket + Connected Body Dynamics problem
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
3K
The tension in the cord in this system
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Incline with friction and two blocks
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Mechanics question: Three masses and a pulley on a tabletop
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K