- #1
southernbelle
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Homework Statement
Block A weighs 4 N and block B weighs 8N. The coefficient of sliding friction between all surfaces is 0.25. Find the force P necessary to drag block B to the left at a constant speed if
A) if A rests on B and moves with it
B) if A is held at rest
C) if A and B are connected by a light flexible cord passing around a fixed frictionless pulley.
The Attempt at a Solution
I have drawn the free body diagrams.
A) Ff=coefficient x Fn
= .25 (8 + 4)
= 3
Is that right?
B) I know the fsB = (8 + 4) coefficient of static friction
fsA = coefficient of static friction (4)
I also know that these have to be equal in order to move.
So...
fsA = fsB
But where do I put the P? On the A side or the B side?
C) I know that P must be equal to all the forces in the x-direction in order for the block to move.
The sum of the forces in the x-direction = T + fsA + fsB
so...
P = T + fsB + fsA
and
P = T + (.25)(4) + (.25)(12)
P = T + 4
How do I find T?
I know that the sum of all the forces = ma
And the acceleration in this case is 0.
But 0 = T + 4 would give T= -4.
And P =0.
I don't think that can be right.