Max Velocity of Wedge: When Block Reaches Height h

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dynamics of a wedge and a block, where the block slides down a wedge on a smooth surface. The maximum velocity of the wedge occurs when the block reaches the midpoint of the depression, as the horizontal forces acting on the wedge become balanced. The conservation of momentum and energy principles are applied, indicating that the block's kinetic energy is maximized at this point, leading to the wedge's maximum velocity. The absence of a horizontal force acting on the wedge at this instant confirms that it is indeed at its maximum velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum and energy principles
  • Knowledge of basic mechanics involving inclined planes and wedges
  • Ability to analyze forces acting on objects in motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the dynamics of inclined planes and wedge systems in classical mechanics
  • Learn about the conservation of momentum in multi-body systems
  • Explore the effects of friction on motion in wedge and block scenarios
  • Investigate the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in mechanical systems
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Students studying classical mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion involving wedges and blocks.

  • #31
gracy said:
Because as long force is there ,acceleration will also be there and so velocity will go on increasing and there will not be any instant when we can say that it is maximum velocity that's why when there is no horizontal force no acceleration as well as deceleration ,at that moment velocity will be maximum and that is certainly the midpoint of depression.Right?
Is this correct?
 
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  • #32
haruspex said:
If the block is not at the middle of the depression then the speed of the wedge is changing.
But it must be having some instantaneous velocity just before coming to mid point of depression.
 
Last edited:
  • #33
gracy said:
But it must be having some instantaneous velocity just before coming to mid point of depression.
Yes... so?
 
  • #34
gracy said:
But it must be having some instantaneous velocity just before coming to mid point of depression.
But it must be having some instantaneous velocity just before the block comes to mid point of depression.[/QUOTE]By it I mean wedge.
 
  • #35
gracy said:
But it must be having some instantaneous velocity just before the block comes to mid point of depression.
By it I mean wedge.[/QUOTE]
I agreed the wedge would have some instantaneous velocity before the block reaches the mid point. But it will not be quite as much as when the block is at the mid point.
 
  • #36
haruspex said:
But it will not be quite as much as when the block is at the mid point.
Why?
 
  • #37
gracy said:
Why?
Because as long as the block is not exactly at the mid point the normal force will have a horizontal component, accelerating the wedge.
 
  • #38
haruspex said:
Because as long as the block is not exactly at the mid point the normal force will have a horizontal component, accelerating the wedge.
That's why I have used the term just before coming at mid point.So that there will not be any horizontal force after that.
 
  • #39
It
gracy said:
That's why I have used the term just before coming at mid point.So that there will not be any horizontal force after that.
It's either at the mid point or it isn't. If it's not at the midpoint then there is a horizontal force, no matter how small.
 

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