Finding the magnitude of acceleration

In summary, the conversation is about finding the total forces on a block labeled M1 using the equations F=ma and ΣFx= ma. The solution involves considering tension and friction in opposite directions, and using the coefficient of friction and normal force to determine the net vertical force. The normal force is equal to the gravitational force. The problem has been solved for parts (a) and (b), but help is needed for part (c) in determining the total forces acting on M1. The suggestion is made that the total forces may be the mass of M2 minus the coefficient of friction of M1, but it is uncertain.
  • #1
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Homework Statement




Problem one on this pdf file.
http://www.dtfizzix.com/APEXAMS/Phackets/B-1987-Exam.pdf



Homework Equations



F=ma
ΣFx= ma

The Attempt at a Solution



ΣFx= (m1+m2)a

What are the total forces on of the block labeled M1?
 
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  • #2
Tension, and friction, in opposite directions. To find tension, look at block B. To find friction, multiply the normal force by the coefficient of friction. Since there is no vertical acceleration of block A, that means that there must be no net vertical force, so what does this say about the normal force?
 
  • #3
1MileCrash said:
Tension, and friction, in opposite directions. To find tension, look at block B. To find friction, multiply the normal force by the coefficient of friction. Since there is no vertical acceleration of block A, that means that there must be no net vertical force, so what does this say about the normal force?

That the normal force must equal the gravitational force?

I've solved the problem (a) and (b).

Now I need help with problem (c). What are the total forces acting on M1?

Is it the mass of M2 minus the coefficient of friction of M1?

:/
 

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity over time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

How do you calculate acceleration?

Acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula is a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

What is the SI unit for acceleration?

The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²). This means that for every second, the velocity of an object changes by 1 meter per second in the given direction.

How do you find the magnitude of acceleration?

The magnitude of acceleration is the absolute value of the acceleration vector, meaning it is the numerical value without the direction. It can be found by using the Pythagorean theorem, where the magnitude is equal to the square root of the sum of the squared components of acceleration in each direction.

What factors can affect the magnitude of acceleration?

The magnitude of acceleration can be affected by various factors such as force, mass, and friction. A larger force applied to an object will result in a larger acceleration, while a larger mass will result in a smaller acceleration. Friction can also decrease the magnitude of acceleration by opposing the motion of an object.

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