For those who have this textbook.

[DannyPhysika]

Homework Statement

In Physics for Scientists and Engineers Volume 1 Eighth Edition (Serway, Jewett)

Number 55. in Chapter 5, I checked the answer key and would like to know why they don't consider the forces of friction in a), b), c), d), and e)? This confuses me. Thank you.

Homework Equations

F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution

The solutions for f and g I got right.

 

[QuarkCharmer]

I don't have the book, what is the actual question?

Many times friction is ignored in order to explain concepts with simplicity.

 

[DannyPhysika]

I don't have the book, what is the actual question?

Many times friction is ignored in order to explain concepts with simplicity.

I found it online:

http://www.cramster.com/answers-sep-10/physics/blocks-masses-m1-m2-nbsptwo-blocks-masses-m1-m2-table_950775.aspx

The answer key gives:

b) F, c) F - P, d) P, e) m1: F - P = m1a; m2: P = m2a

I want to add that obviously in the book the coefficients are labeled "mu"1 and 2

 

[Doc Al]

Number 55. in Chapter 5, I checked the answer key and would like to know why they don't consider the forces of friction in a), b), c), d), and e)? This confuses me.

Seems just wrong to me.

Does the book really say: "The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block of mass m1 and the table is m1, and that between the block of mass m2 and the table is m2." That makes no sense! (Maybe μ₁ and μ₂?)

 

[Doc Al]

I want to add that obviously in the book the coefficients are labeled "mu"1 and 2

That's better.

 

[DannyPhysika]

Seems just wrong to me.

Does the book really say: "The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block of mass m1 and the table is m1, and that between the block of mass m2 and the table is m2." That makes no sense! (Maybe μ₁ and μ₂?)

Yeah it's actually labeled μ in the book