How Does a Speck of Dust Affect the Motion of a Box on an Inclined Ramp?

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The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 100 kg box on a 30° inclined ramp, connected to a hanging mass via a pulley. Part A focuses on calculating the maximum weight of the hanging mass that keeps the box at rest, with a solution yielding approximately 88 kg. Part B addresses the scenario where a speck of dust destabilizes the system, prompting a need to determine the box's acceleration as it begins to move. Participants discuss the equations governing forces, tensions, and normal forces, emphasizing the importance of accurately setting up Newton's second law for the system. The conversation highlights the complexities of accounting for acceleration and the forces acting on the block as it transitions from rest to motion.
  • #31
TSny said:
Yes, this gives you another equation to work with. You should be careful with the signs. When the block accelerates up the incline, the pulley will rotate clockwise. So, it is a good idea to take clockwise rotation as the positive direction for torque and angular acceleration.



Think about whether or not the right hand side should be zero.
Nope.. it shouldn't be.. it should be equal to Ma A, not 0
 
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  • #32
Yes. It will be important to distinguish between the acceleration of block A and the acceleration of block B. So, I suggest writing the right side as MAaA. You can use the toolbar to enter superscripts and subscripts.
 
  • #33
Oh, I assumed the two blocks would have the same acceleration as they are all in the same system...

Shouldn't acceleration of A be equal to acceleration of B?
 
  • #34
joemost12 said:
Oh, I assumed the two blocks would have the same acceleration as they are all in the same system...

Shouldn't acceleration of A be equal to acceleration of B?

The two accelerations would be equal if the string on the left side of the pulley (connected to block A) were parallel to the incline. You will need to determine the relationship between aA and aB.
 

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