Question related to Newton's second law

AI Thread Summary
To find the required force to drag body B at a constant speed, the calculations involve the weights of both bodies and the kinetic friction coefficient of 0.25. The initial attempt calculated the force as 3.15 N, considering only the friction between body B and the ground. However, it was noted that friction also exists between bodies A and B, necessitating a revised calculation. The final correct force, accounting for all frictional forces, is determined to be 4.05 N. Clarification on the presence of friction forces between the two bodies is crucial for accurate problem-solving.
UNknown 2010
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Homework Statement



Given data:
- The weight of (A) is 3.6 N.
- The weight of (B) is 5.4 N.
- The kinetic friction coefficient between all surfaces is 0.25
http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/2999/figurehg3.png

The problem statement:
Find the required force for dragging (B) with a constant speed.

Homework Equations


\sum F = ma


The Attempt at a Solution


Body (A):
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2518/78564322dp4.png

N - W2 = 0
N = W2

Fk - P = 0
Fk = P
uk × N = P
0.25 × 3.6 = P
P = 0.9 N.

Body (B):
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6740/35855205ln7.png
P + Fk = F
F = ukN + P
F = [ 0.25 × (3.6+5.4) ] + 0.9
F = (9 × 0.25) + 0.9
F = 3.15 N.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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One thing I'm slightly concerned about is that you have a friction force between the ground and the block on body B, but not a friction force between the two blocks A & B (which would be present on the top of the block via the way you've been nicely drawing the diagrams).
 
The question says "The kinetic friction coefficient between all surfaces is 0.25" so that doesn't mean there is only a friction between the ground and body (B) .
 
UNknown 2010 said:
The question says "The kinetic friction coefficient between all surfaces is 0.25" so that doesn't mean there is only a friction between the ground and body (B) .

Yes: and you have the friction between A & B on block A... but not on block B. Remember Newtons THIRD law...
 
the final answer is 4.05 N ?
 
body (A):

N - W2 = 0
N = W2
Fk(A) - P = 0
Fk(A) = P
uk × N = P
0.25 × 3.6 = P
P = 0.9 N.

Body (B):

P + Fk(A) + Fk(B) = F
F = uk N(A) + 0.9 + P
F = [ 0.25 × (3.6+5.4) ] + 0.9 + 0.9
F = (9 × 0.25) + 1.8
F = 4.05 N.

Right ??
 
physics girl phd said:
Yes: and you have the friction between A & B on block A... but not on block B. Remember Newtons THIRD law...

so there is no any friction force on (A) ?!

I get confused
help please
 
Last edited:
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