Forces acting on a block which is lying on another block

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing the forces acting on two blocks, one resting on top of the other, using free body diagrams. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, particularly focusing on forces, friction, and equilibrium conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the components of the free body diagrams for both blocks, including forces such as weight, normal force, and friction. There are questions about the direction of friction forces and the implications of the maximum force before movement occurs. Some participants seek clarification on the meaning of variables in the equations and the relationship between the blocks' movements.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's interpretations and equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces involved, and there is a recognition of the need to clarify certain variables. Multiple interpretations of the forces and their directions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the weights of the two blocks are different, which may affect the analysis. There is also an emphasis on calculating forces before any movement occurs, indicating a focus on static equilibrium conditions.

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Homework Statement
In the picture, the coefficient of static and dynamic friction for all contact surfaces are ##0.4## and ##0.14##, respectively. The mass of ##A## is ##73 kg## and the mass of ##B## is ##22 kg##. Determine the maximum force so that B doesn't slide. Then, suppose that the force applied to the system is greater than the force calculated previously, how much time would it take for the blocks to move ##10 m##?
Relevant Equations
Newton's equations
Well, I'm having trouble with the free body diagrams. For ##A## we have
##y)## weight, normal force, contact force with ##B##, ##F . sin(36.8°)##. And the acceleration is ##0## because we want to calculate the maximun force before moving.

##\Sigma \vec F = m . a_y##
##\vec N_A + \vec F . sin(36.8°) - \vec W_A -\vec Fc= 0##

##x)## ##F . cos(36.8°)##, friction force with the ground and friction force with ##B## and the acceleration is 0.

##F. cos(36.8°) - Fr - Fr_B=0##

##Fr## and ##Fr_B## have the same direction, don't they? Because the friction with ##B## must be pushing ##B## towards, and then the reaction force is in the opposite direction.

For ##B## we have:
##y)## weight and contact force (normal force)

##\vec N_B - \vec W_B =0##

##x)## friction force with ##A##
But is this force pointing to the right? And then, is the string applying a force on ##B##?And then when I want to answer the second question, do they move equally? I mean, if ##A## traveled ##10 m## so did ##B##
 

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Like Tony Stark said:
normal force, contact force with B
The contact force with B could include a frictional component in general. Better to say normal force from ground, normal force from B.
Like Tony Stark said:
the acceleration is 0 because we want to calculate the maximun force before moving.
No, it's the maximum force before B slides on A. A will be moving by then.
 
haruspex said:
The contact force with B could include a frictional component in general. Better to say normal force from ground, normal force from B.

No, it's the maximum force before B slides on A. A will be moving by then.

So the free body diagram for A is
##x) F.cos(36,8°)-Fr-Fr_{AB}=m.a_x##
##y) F.sin(36,8°)+N-P-F_{AB}=m.a_y##

And for B is
##x) Fr_{AB}=m.a_x##
##y) F_{AB}-P=m.a_y##

Is this correct?

And for the ##y)## axis of both bodies the acceleration is equal to 0, isn't it? Because they don't move upwards. Is this right?
 
Like Tony Stark said:
Is this correct?
Yes, except what is P in these equations? Not the same in both, I assume.
Like Tony Stark said:
And for the y) axis of both bodies the acceleration is equal to 0
Yes.
 
haruspex said:
Yes, except what is P in these equations? Not the same in both, I assume.

Yes.
Sorry, ##P## is weight
Thanks!
 
Like Tony Stark said:
Sorry, ##P## is weight
Thanks!
Ok, but different weights for the two blocks, right?
 
haruspex said:
Ok, but different weights for the two blocks, right?
Yess
 
Like Tony Stark said:
Yess
Ok, so can you solve the equations?
 

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