Finding the acceleration in this force problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two masses, m1 on a frictionless surface and m2 on a surface with friction, where the goal is to find the acceleration of the blocks in terms of various parameters including mass, gravitational acceleration, angle, and friction coefficient.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial attempt to express acceleration and question the omission of friction in the calculation. There are inquiries about how to implement a more comprehensive approach, including drawing Free Body Diagrams and analyzing forces.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and seeking clarification on the role of friction. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Free Body Diagrams and the need to account for all forces acting on the masses.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem setup, including the effects of friction and the relationships between the forces and accelerations of the masses involved.

knewman55
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Homework Statement


m1 is on a frictionless surface and m2 is on a surface with a coefficient of friction of μ.
Find the acceleration of the blocks in terms of m1, m2, g, Ѳ, μ

Homework Equations


ΣF=a*m

The Attempt at a Solution


a=m2gsinѲ/m1+m2
is this correct??
 

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knewman55 said:
is this correct??
No. What happened to the friction?
 
How would I implement that?
 
knewman55 said:
How would I implement that?
There is a standard way to proceed.
For each rigid body in the system, draw a Free Body Diagram.
Assign variables to all the forces, masses and accelerations on/of each.
Figure out any relationships between the forces on the different masses, likewise their accelerations.
Write out the ΣF=ma equation for each body.
 

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