Is My Solution to This Force/Friction Physics Problem Correct?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a physics problem involving two blocks with different masses, where a horizontal force F is applied to a smaller block (mass m1) sliding on a larger block (mass m2). The coefficients of friction (\mu) and the relationship between the accelerations (a1 for m1 and a2 for m2) are critical to determining the system's dynamics. The derived equations indicate that the acceleration of the smaller block is a1 = (F - \mu m1 g) / m1 and for the larger block, a2 = \mu m1 g / m2. The time t for the smaller block to slide off the larger block is calculated as t = √(2L / (a1 - a2)).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with friction coefficients and their implications
  • Basic knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Concept of relative acceleration in multi-body systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of varying the coefficient of friction (\mu) on acceleration
  • Explore advanced kinematic equations for non-uniform acceleration
  • Investigate the implications of different mass ratios (m1/m2) on system behavior
  • Learn about real-world applications of friction in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of frictional forces and multi-body systems in classical mechanics.

musicfairy
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Can someone check if I did this problem right?

A horizontal force F is applied to a small block of mass m1 to make It slide along the top of a larger block of mass m2 and length L. The coefficient of friction between the blocks is [tex]\mu[/tex]. The larger block slides without friction along a horizontal surface. The blocks start from rest with the small block at one end of the larger block.

a) Find the acceleration of each block. a1 and a2, relative to the horizontal surface.

b) In terms of L, a1, and a2, find the time t needed for the small block to slide off the end of the larger block.

This is what I did. f is friction, F is the applied force

a)

f = F - m1a1
f = m2a2
f = [tex]\mu[/tex]m1g

[tex]\mu[/tex]m1g = F - m1a1
a1 = (F - [tex]\mu[/tex]m1g) / m1
a2 = [tex]\mu[/tex]m1g/m2
b)

L = .5(a1 - a2)t2

t = [tex]\sqrt{2L / (a1 - a2)}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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Looks good to me.
 

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