How to tell if an object is moving or not?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether an object on an inclined plane is in motion or at rest, particularly in the context of a system involving friction and pulleys. Participants explore methods of calculation rather than visual observation to ascertain the state of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests observing the system over time or taking precise measurements to determine motion.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for calculations involving the mass of the blocks, friction coefficients, and the incline angle to decide if the system is moving.
  • A different contribution indicates that the question implies the necessity to calculate static friction to determine if the system will start moving from rest.
  • Some participants propose that the cosine of the angle multiplied by the mass must exceed the static friction force to indicate motion.
  • Another participant reiterates that the cosine of the angle multiplied by the gravitational force must also exceed the static friction force for the system to move.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single method to determine motion; participants present various approaches and calculations, indicating a range of opinions on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific definitions of static and kinetic friction, and the discussion assumes knowledge of physics principles related to forces on inclined planes. The calculations proposed depend on the accuracy of the given parameters.

Kawaii Physics
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Say that there's a ramp with a block on it, with a string attached to the block and to a massless, frictionless pulley at the top of the ramp, and the pulley connecting the string to another block. What if both of the masses are really close and there is friction on the incline but you can't tell if it's moving or not. What would you do to tell if it's moving or not?
 

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Watch it for a long time? If you are serious take a precise measurement, wait a while and take another measurement.
 
@mathman

No, I mean by calculations, not by visual. Say you're given the mass of each block, the kinetic/static friction coefficient, and the angle of the incline.

What would you do to calculate if it's moving or not, so you can know whether to use static or kinetic friction?
 
The wording of the question tells you you need to calculate static friction; static friction is what tells you if (starting from a stop), the system will begin to move or not.
 
Cos of angle x M has to be larger than Cf static
 
mtworkowski@o said:
Cos of angle x Mg has to be larger than CfxMg static
 

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