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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 100 kg box on an inclined ramp at a 30° angle, connected by a massless rope to a hanging mass. The problem explores the effects of friction and the introduction of a speck of dust on the hanging mass, which destabilizes the system. Participants are analyzing the forces at play, including gravitational forces, tension, and friction coefficients.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of equations for both parts of the problem, with some expressing uncertainty about the transition from static to dynamic conditions in Part B. There are attempts to clarify the role of the normal force and the components of forces acting on the box and hanging mass.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the correctness of initial calculations for Part A, while others are questioning the assumptions made regarding the normal force and the effects of acceleration on the forces involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct expressions for the forces acting on the masses, particularly in the context of the inclined plane.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of the problem, including the effects of acceleration on the normal force and the implications of the speck of dust on the stability of the system. There is a noted lack of consensus on certain equations and interpretations, indicating a need for further clarification and discussion.

  • #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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