Magnitude of Forces: Block Motion on a Ramp

[jumptheair]

Homework Statement

A block is on a ramp. What is happening to the block for each of the following situations?:
1. fk(down the ramp)
2. fs(up the ramp) < w,x(down)
3. Tension(up) > fk(down) + w,x(down)
4. fk(up) < w,x(down)..FBD also looks like fk(up) magnitude is equal to fs(up) from 2.

choices:
A) a block is sliding down a ramp at increasing speed.
B) a block is being dragged up a ramp.
C) a block is sliding down a ramp at decreasing speed.
D) a block is sliding up a ramp.
E) a block is stationary on a ramp.
F) a block is momentarily at rest; it is changing directions-after sliding up a ramp, it is about to slide back down.

Homework Equations

Newton's second: Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

This is what i think. Please correct me if I'm wrong at any point. Thanks.

1.A - because both weight and friction pulls it down
2.E - because fs is acting.
3.B - Since tension is greater than the sum of fk and weight that is pulling it down. But
what is the difference between sliding up and being dragged up? Since tension is
making it go up, should it be dragged up?
4.F - momentarily at rest because magnitude of fk is equal to fs from 2. But changes to
downwards because given that fk and not fs is applied.

 

[learningphysics]

Homework Statement

A block is on a ramp. What is happening to the block for each of the following situations?:
1. fk(down the ramp)
2. fs(up the ramp) < w,x(down)
3. Tension(up) > fk(down) + w,x(down)
4. fk(up) < w,x(down)..FBD also looks like fk(up) magnitude is equal to fs(up) from 2.

choices:
A) a block is sliding down a ramp at increasing speed.
B) a block is being dragged up a ramp.
C) a block is sliding down a ramp at decreasing speed.
D) a block is sliding up a ramp.
E) a block is stationary on a ramp.
F) a block is momentarily at rest; it is changing directions-after sliding up a ramp, it is about to slide back down.

Homework Equations

Newton's second: Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

This is what i think. Please correct me if I'm wrong at any point. Thanks.

1.A - because both weight and friction pulls it down

but friction always acts opposite the direction of motion.

2.E - because fs is acting.

I agree. So is there always a tension involved? Because if fs<w,x the block would be sliding unless there were other forces involved.

3.B - Since tension is greater than the sum of fk and weight that is pulling it down. But
what is the difference between sliding up and being dragged up? Since tension is
making it go up, should it be dragged up?

Yeah, both dragged up and sliding up seem right. I don't understand the difference.

4.F - momentarily at rest because magnitude of fk is equal to fs from 2. But changes to
downwards because given that fk and not fs is applied.

[/quote]

I don't see why... if the object is momentarily at rest, then kinetic friction will not be acting.

 

[jumptheair]

tension is only involved in 3. These are the given FBD:
1. http://www.learning.physics.dal.ca/library/Graphics/Gtype10/blockfbd1.gif
2. http://www.learning.physics.dal.ca/library/Graphics/Gtype10/blockfbd6.gif
3. http://www.learning.physics.dal.ca/library/Graphics/Gtype10/blockfbd2.gif
4. http://www.learning.physics.dal.ca/library/Graphics/Gtype10/blockfbd3.gif

 

[jumptheair]

For 1, as you see in the FBD, only fk is drawn. I don't know if ALL forces are drawn in but without a pushing force, the fk and gravity will bring it down right? I am not sure for which cases but i remember that friction doesn't ALWAYS oppose motion. I am confused.

For 4, the fk is drawn so that it is equal to fs from #2. Um.. it's not possible unless there is other forces not drawn that are applied to the block, right?

 

[learningphysics]

For 1, as you see in the FBD, only fk is drawn. I don't know if ALL forces are drawn in but without a pushing force, the fk and gravity will bring it down right?

Not necessarily. It could be sliding upwards and decelerating.

Im not sure for which cases but i remember that friction doesn't ALWAYS oppose motion. I am confused.

Hmmm... as far as I know, static friction prevents motion, and kinetic friction acts against the direction of motion.

For 4, the fk is drawn so that it is equal to fs from #2. Um.. it's not possible unless there is other forces not drawn that are applied to the block, right?

In 4, it seems to me it is sliding downwards since kinetic friction is acting upwards.

 

[jumptheair]

Ok. I am convinced that 1. is sliding up the ramp.
If 4 is sliding downwards, would it be going down at increasing speed because w,x is greater in magnitude than fk so Fnet is positive (downwards) so that acceleration is also positive(downwards)?

 

[learningphysics]

Ok. I am convinced that 1. is sliding up the ramp.
If 4 is sliding downwards, would it be going down at increasing speed because w,x is greater in magnitude than fk so Fnet is positive (downwards) so that acceleration is also positive(downwards)?

yes.