How Do the Laws of Motion Apply to a Block and Wedge System?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the application of the laws of motion to a block and wedge system, particularly analyzing the sequence of events when block 2 hits the wedge. Participants suggest that block 1 must hit the pulley first due to the forces acting on each block, with block 1 experiencing only tension and block 2 needing both tension and centripetal force. The conversation also touches on the importance of considering angles and potential integration in the equations of motion. Participants recommend starting with energy equations to simplify the problem before resorting to force equations. The parameters, such as masses and distances, are clarified as being constant, with the pulley assumed to be massless.
draotic
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Homework Statement


Given in the pic .. .


Homework Equations


F=mg


The Attempt at a Solution


i think block 2 hitting wedge will take place 1st as the direction of displacement of B1 is perpendicular to 'g' .. .
but i don't think that's a logical answer
please answer and explain why
 

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hi draotic! :wink:

call the displacement "x" and the angle "θ" …

what equations do you get? :smile:​
 
sorry , i didnt quite get it .. .
which angle are we concerned about?
 
the angle the right-hand part of the string makes with the horizontal at any particular time :wink:
 
well the angle will vary from 0 to pi/2 , so are we going to involve integration ?
 
Block#2 needs the highest force up at vertically down, weight plus centripetal force before continuing to hit the wedge.

Thus block#1 must hit the pulley first before bigger block can continue the circular motion.
 
hi draotic! :smile:

(just got up :zzz:)
draotic said:
well the angle will vary from 0 to pi/2 , so are we going to involve integration ?

in problems like this, always try an energy equation first (which will avoid integration)

if that doesn't work, use a force equation (which will) :smile:
 
thanks tiny-tim and azizlwl for helping me out ..
azizlwl's reason seems quite right to me..
in B1 , only tension is involved ( ignoring kinetic friction ) and in B2 , we must have tension + centripetal force . .

so B1 must hit pulley first..
 
thanks tiny-tim and azizlwl for helping me out ..
azizlwl's reason seems quite right to me..
in B1 , only tension is involved ( ignoring kinetic friction ) and in B2 , we must have tension + centripetal force . .

so B1 must hit pulley first..
 
  • #10
are all the parameters such as masses, distances from pulley variable?
 
  • #11
nrbhyagrwl said:
are all the parameters such as masses, distances from pulley variable?

masses are same , no friction anywhere , no MI of pulley
 
  • #12
draotic said:
… no MI of pulley

you can assume the pulley is massless

(alternatively, just add its "rolling mass" (I/r2) to the mass of the first block)
 

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