Friction and Tension with blocks on an incline

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three blocks (A, B, and C) connected by ropes on an incline, with a focus on the forces acting on them, including tension and friction. The scenario specifies that block C descends with constant velocity, leading to questions about the tension in the connecting rope and the weight of block C.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the forces acting on block C and the other blocks, with some attempting to derive the weight of block C based on the tension and friction forces. Questions arise regarding the contributions of friction and the correct interpretation of the forces involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the forces acting on the blocks, particularly the role of friction and the conditions for constant velocity. There appears to be a mix of interpretations regarding the calculations, with one participant reporting a successful result after further discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of differing values for the coefficient of friction and weights compared to the textbook answers, which may affect the calculations. Additionally, the problem context includes constraints related to the setup of the blocks and the forces acting on them.

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Homework Statement
Blocks A, B, and C are placed as in the figure and connected by ropes of negligible mass. Both A and B weigh 24.9N each, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between each block and the surface is 0.39. Block C descends with constant velocity.
YF-05-56.jpg


a) Find the tension in the rope connecting blocks A and B.

b) What is the weight of block C?

c) If the rope connecting A and B were cut, what would be the acceleration of C?The attempt at a solution
I figured out part (a), 9.71N. I am stuck and have a mental block and can't get the weight of block C to save my life. I used the equation:

T2=T1+wsin\Theta+\muNB

which yielded a result of 34.37N, which I know is incorrect. The answer in the back of the book is 30.8N, but the coefficient of friction and weights are different.
 
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Can anybody point me in the right direction?
 
Last edited:
The exercise states the the block C has a constant velocity, which means that the force created by block C equals all the other forces.
Remember that Block A only contributes with friction, but block B contributes with friction and its part of its weight.
FC=FB+FA
 
FA=.39*24.9=9.711
FB=.39*24.9*cos(36.9)+24.9*sin(36.9)=22,716
FC=32.427
I don't see any faults in my reasoning but I yield a different result. In any case, you should be aware that the friction of block B is only in terms of the perpendicular force to the ramp and not the entire weight of B. On the other hand, the projection the force of gravity towards downward direction is only a small fraction of the entire weight.
 
32.4N is the answer that I finally got too and it is correct. Thanks for the help.
 

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