Finding the mass of a block on an incline attached to a pulley

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a two-mass system with one block on an incline and another on a horizontal surface, both experiencing kinetic friction. The system is released from rest and reaches a constant acceleration of 2.00 m/s². The goal is to find the mass of the block on the incline, given that one mass is known to be 5.00 kg.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss applying Newton's laws to each block and setting up equations to find the tension in the rope. There are attempts to express acceleration in terms of forces and friction, with some participants questioning how to effectively set up the vectors involved.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of Newton's laws and the calculation of tension. Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing their attempts and expressing confusion about certain aspects of the setup, particularly in relation to vectors and forces.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they are working under the constraints of the problem's parameters, including the known mass and the acceleration, while also considering the effects of friction on both surfaces.

Beachgirl1992
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Homework Statement


The two mass system shown below has the same coefficient of kinetic friction on both the horizontal and inclined surfaces. When the system released from rest, both blocks quickly reach a constant acceleration of 2.00 m/s^2. M2=5.00 kg (on horizontal. Find the mass M1 of the block on the incline. Please see attached picture!


Homework Equations


Newtons second law




The Attempt at a Solution

I am super stuck :( i tried to start working with Newtons equation but i hit a dead end! can someone help set me up pretty please :) with a cherry! I've spent and hour on this!
 

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Use Newtons laws applied on each block and solve the system of equations. The easiest way would be to solve for the tension in the rope given the information for the 5kg mass...
 
Hmm okay my friend and i are both stuck on this one!
How could i solve for the tension? I am trying to set up vectors its just not clicking for me
 
Can i do this. A=(F-f)/m to solve for the force?!
 
Newtons laws on the top block yield:
T-f=(5kg)(2 m/s^2)
you can calculate friction 'f' so the only unknown is tension 'T'.
 

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