Numerical Problem based on Newton's laws of Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 5kg block resting on a 10kg block, with the latter accelerating at 5m/s². The objective is to determine the time it takes for the 5kg block to slide off the 10kg block completely.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the forces acting on the blocks and considers pseudo forces due to acceleration. Some participants question the treatment of accelerations and the role of friction, while others clarify the relationship between the blocks' accelerations.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the concept of pseudo forces and the accelerations of the blocks. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct application of acceleration values, but no consensus has been reached on the overall approach.

Contextual Notes

It is noted that there is no friction in the problem, which influences the dynamics between the two blocks. The dimensions of the blocks and their respective weights are also discussed in relation to the problem setup.

konichiwa2x
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A 5kg block is resting on the top right hand corner of a 10kg block. The length of the top of the 10kg block is 10m. Find the time taken by the 5kg block on top to slide of the 10kg block completely if the 10kg block is accelerating at 5m/s^2.

My work:

aB = acceleration of the 5kg block
aA = acceleratipon of the 10kg block
If the 10kg block is accelerating to the right, then a pseudo force must be acting on the 5kg block on it in the opposite direction,

so fp = 5aB
aB = 5

aB - aA = -10

-10 = 1/2(-10)t^2
t = (2)^1/2

where am i going wrong? My book says 2 seconds is the correct answer. Please help:confused:
 
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Since there is no friction in the problem, there is no force acting on the small block. Your "pseudo" acceleration should simply be the opposite direction of the acceleration of the large block. Your error is in adding the 2 accelerations. If you just use 5 [itex]\frac m {s^2} [/tex] as the acceleration the result is 2s.[/itex]
 
ok so this pseudo acceleration is just the acceleration of the block B with respect to the block A, whereas the actual acceleration of the block B is 0. is that correct?
 
since the lower block is of 10 kg and the upper block is just half its weight so the dimensions of the upper block will be half the lower block. so the length of the upper block is 5m.
now since there is no friction the lower block will have to move 10m so that tha upper block is completely fallen away.
now S = ut+1/2at^2
here u=0
a=5
s=10
so, 10=1/2 5t^2
t^2=4
t=2sec.
 

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