Friction problem involving 2 blocks sliding in 2 directions with 2 frictions

AI Thread Summary
A 1-kg block is pushed against a 4-kg block on a horizontal surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.25, and the task is to find the minimum force required to prevent the 1-kg block from slipping down. The friction at the interface between the blocks is 0.4, and the forces exerted by the blocks are equal and opposite. The initial calculations yield a force of 30.62N without considering the horizontal friction coefficient. The discussion highlights the need to incorporate the horizontal friction into the calculations to achieve an accurate solution. Understanding the relationship between the forces and the coefficients of friction is crucial for solving this problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



http://streetrodjohn.home.comcast.net/~streetrodjohn/physics.jpg

A 1-kg block is pushed against a 4-kg block on a horizontal surface of coefficient of friction 0.25, as shown in the figure. Determine the minimum force needed to ensure that the 1-kg block does not slip down. Assume that the coefficient of friction at the interface between the block is 0.4. Hint: The two blocks exert equal and opposite forces on each other.

Homework Equations



F=(A+B)a
Ag=fs
N=Ba
Ag=\muBa

The Attempt at a Solution



In class we have done similar problems, only with a frictionless horizontal surface. I don't know how to account for the horizontal coefficient of friction of .25 in this problem. Using the above equations and ignoring the horizontal coefficient of friction, I get this:

a=(Ag)/(\muB

F=(((A+B)Ag)/(\muB))

F=(((4+1)(1)(9.8))/((.4)(4)))

F=30.62N

Now how do I account for the horizontal coefficient of friction of .25? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
 
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2FAST4U8 said:

Homework Statement



http://streetrodjohn.home.comcast.net/~streetrodjohn/physics.jpg

A 1-kg block is pushed against a 4-kg block on a horizontal surface of coefficient of friction 0.25, as shown in the figure. Determine the minimum force needed to ensure that the 1-kg block does not slip down. Assume that the coefficient of friction at the interface between the block is 0.4. Hint: The two blocks exert equal and opposite forces on each other.

Homework Equations



F=(A+B)a
Ag=fs
N=Ba
Ag=\muBa

The Attempt at a Solution



In class we have done similar problems, only with a frictionless horizontal surface. I don't know how to account for the horizontal coefficient of friction of .25 in this problem. Using the above equations and ignoring the horizontal coefficient of friction, I get this:

a=(Ag)/(\muB

F=(((A+B)Ag)/(\muB))

F=(((4+1)(1)(9.8))/((.4)(4)))

F=30.62N

Now how do I account for the horizontal coefficient of friction of .25? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Well, examining block one, we notice that we want \sum\vec{F}=m\vec{a}=0=\vec{F}_f+\vec{F}_g\rightarrow\vec{F}_f=-\vec{F}_g. From this, we can examine the frictional force, specifically:

\vec{F}_f=\mu_i\vec{N}\rightarrow m\vec{g}/\mu_i=\vec{N}.

What next? :)
 
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