Objects on a Slope - Pretty Easy

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two masses on a 60-degree slope, where the user attempts to determine the mass required on the right side (Fr) to achieve positive acceleration. The user calculated the total force using the equation Ftotal = Fl + Fr and hypothesized that a larger mass is needed on the right side to slide down. However, the calculation led to an incorrect mass of 1.86 kg, prompting questions about potential errors in the approach, including whether the objects are connected by a rope.

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Objects on a Slope -- Pretty Easy

This is a modified version of a physics problem for my HW. We were to find the mass an item had to be to "go down" a slope and go up. However, the slopes were not even so a larger mass one side did not necessarily mean the "heavier" side slid down.

So I made another problem where they were even. In this case it was 60 degrees.

The slope is 60 degrees. The mass on the left Fl is 2.1 kg. My hypothesis is that a larger mass is required on the right to make the right "go down" or have a positive acceleration. Correct?

Here's my Force equation.

Ftotal = Fl + Fr.

I picked a random number, .64 m/s2 for the right acceleration to be.

sin(60)(.64)m = (9.8)m + sin(60)(2.1kg)(-9.8)
which leads to m = 1.86 kg, which is obviously wrong!

Where did I go wrong? If I solve for a negative acceleration, I at least get a number less than 1.86 which makes logical sense at least. Any ideas on what I did wrong?
 
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Are the two objects connected by a rope or something?
Your "presentation" of the problem is very vague and confusing.
You probably know very well what is it about (I hope) but you cannot expect other people to guess your mind.
This is a physics forum (and not psychic forum).
 

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