Masses on inclined planes and pulleys

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing a system of two masses connected by a pulley: a 12 kg cart on a frictionless 42-degree incline and a 15 kg block on a horizontal surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.23. Participants emphasize the application of Newton's second law (Fnet=ma) to derive the equations governing the system's motion. The importance of creating separate Free Body Diagrams (FBD) for each mass is highlighted to accurately incorporate forces and determine the system's acceleration. The conversation also addresses the potential for the system to remain stationary based on the weights and friction involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion, particularly Newton's second law.
  • Knowledge of Free Body Diagrams (FBD) for analyzing forces on objects.
  • Familiarity with friction coefficients and their impact on motion.
  • Basic principles of pulley systems and tension in strings.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to construct Free Body Diagrams for multiple connected masses.
  • Study the effects of friction on motion, specifically in inclined plane scenarios.
  • Explore the dynamics of pulley systems, including tension calculations.
  • Investigate the conditions under which a system of masses remains stationary.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods for complex systems involving pulleys and inclined planes.

Patra
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
1. Two objects are connected via a pulley and some string. The 12 kg cart is on a frictionless 42 deg. incline while the 15kg block is on a horizontal surface having a coefficient of friction equal to 0.23. Determine the acceleration of the system of masses.



2. Fnet=ma



3. I first tried making a FBD for the 15kg mass, but I'm not sure how I should incorporate the other mass into the diagram. Also, because the mass on the horizontal surface is heavier AND is on a frictional surface, and the mass on the incline weighs less, wouldn't the system not move at all?

Thanks in advance for any help. I find that I don't respond very well to my instructor's teaching style, but I'm trying to make the best of it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi, Patra, welcome to Physics Forums!:smile:
Patra said:
1. Two objects are connected via a pulley and some string. The 12 kg cart is on a frictionless 42 deg. incline while the 15kg block is on a horizontal surface having a coefficient of friction equal to 0.23. Determine the acceleration of the system of masses.[/b]



2. Fnet=ma



3. I first tried making a FBD for the 15kg mass,
Please show what equation you came up with, using Newton's 2nd law.
but I'm not sure how I should incorporate the other mass into the diagram.
make a separate Free Body diagram of the mass on the incline, choosing the x-axis paralle to the incline. What equation do you get using Newton's 2nd Law?
Also, because the mass on the horizontal surface is heavier AND is on a frictional surface, and the mass on the incline weighs less, wouldn't the system not move at all?
that is a possibility, if the mass on the incline was light enough. Write your equations to find out. What 2 equations do you get when you apply Newton 2 to each block separately?
 
Patra said:
Also, because the mass on the horizontal surface is heavier AND is on a frictional surface, and the mass on the incline weighs less, wouldn't the system not move at all?

That is just a possibility. You have to check it.
Now if the pulley is massless and smooth (have to assume if not given) then tension in the string would be uniform. Make separate FBD. Also is there any relation between the acceleration of the two blocks
 

Similar threads

Inclined plane problem
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Newton's Second Law (Pulley Sustem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Finding the acceleration of a pulley system including an inclined plane
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Two masses, two pulleys and an inclined plane
  • · Replies 68 ·
3
Replies
68
Views
13K
Kinda tricky inclined plane problem
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Acceleration on an inclined plane
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Acceleration and Tension in a Two-Block System on an Inclined Plane
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
I have a hard time with kinematics involving inclined planes
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
System of two pulleys and three masses
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
How Does Friction Affect Motion on an Inclined Plane?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K