Help Me Two Blocks Connected by a Cord

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanics problem involving two blocks connected by a cord over a frictionless pulley. Participants are exploring the dynamics of the system, including the calculation of acceleration and tension in the cord, while considering the effects of friction and the constraints of the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the setup, specifying the masses of the blocks, the coefficient of kinetic friction, and the initial positions of the blocks.
  • Several participants request a diagram to better understand the problem, indicating that visual representation may be crucial for analysis.
  • Another participant suggests drawing free body diagrams (FBD) for both masses to identify the forces acting on them.
  • A participant presents equations for the forces acting on both blocks, expressing confusion about the inclusion of gravitational force in the equations and the assumption regarding the acceleration of block B being the same as block A before it hits the barrier.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of assuming equal acceleration for both blocks to maintain tension in the cord, highlighting the implications of slack or snapping of the cord if this assumption is violated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the assumptions needed for the problem, particularly concerning the acceleration of the blocks and the forces involved. There is no consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the equations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a resolution on the assumptions regarding the forces acting on the blocks or the implications of their acceleration being equal. The discussion includes potential confusion about the role of gravitational force in the equations.

awesome4444
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Mechanics help :(!

I REALLY NEED HELP :(
Two blocks are connected by a cord which passes over a frictionless pulley at D.
Block A has a mass of 40 kg and block B a
mass of 120 kg. A rests on a horizontal
surface, while B rests on a ramp with the slope
shown. B is initially in a position 3 m from the
stop C as shown. The coefficient of kinetic
friction between the blocks and the surface
beneath is μK = 0.20 for both A and B.

(a) Find the acceleration of the two blocks and
the tension T in the cord, assuming that the
blocks just begin to move at time t = 0.
 
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Diagram?
 


First we draw the FBD for mass A and for mass B.

How many forces act on each?
 


on mass 1 we have forcetension - forcefriction + m*g = ma
mass2 -frocetension-Forcefriction2+(m*g)sin theta= m2a

the thing that's confusing me is if we could have assumed that the aceleration of B is same as acceleration of a before it hits the barrier in the diagram
 


awesome4444 said:
on mass 1 we have forcetension - forcefriction + m*g = ma
mass2 -frocetension-Forcefriction2+(m*g)sin theta= m2a

the thing that's confusing me is if we could have assumed that the aceleration of B is same as acceleration of a before it hits the barrier in the diagram

To avoid confusion, instead of mass 1 let us call it mass A as in diagram.

Re 1st equation: I do not know why you have m*g.

Until mass B hits the barrier at C we HAVE TO assume that the acceleration of B is the same (in magnitude) as that of A because otherwise the string either snaps or becomes slack and so there would not be any tension at all!
 

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