- #1
rad5229
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Homework Statement
We are trying to predict the speed of all three blocks at the first instant they all have the same speed using only variables.
Homework Equations
fg = mg
fk = -μk(mg) = normal force
a = F/m
t = √(2Δx/a) derived from Δx = Vot + 1/2at^2
v = vo + at
p = mv = m(at)
p1 + p2 = pf (convserve momentum)
The Attempt at a Solution
This is my work and final solution of Vf at the bottom, i treated m1 and m2 as one object then used conservation of momentum to find the final velocity. it just does not seem right, i would have thought it would involve the kinetic friction of m3 somehow. i am assuming this is a perfectly inelastic "collision". But when i think about it more, i am thinking they are all 3 at the same speed the instant the impulse of the 2 moving blocks cause the 3rd block to have a momentum value, thus why i used the conservation of momentum to solve for final velocity. Can anyone guide me as to whether or not my thinking is on the right track?