Reason for the obvious movement of a block

[mooncrater]

1. Homework Statement
Consider the given system. It is obvious that the weight of the block will lead the system to move in the leftward direction. But the reason for that is not clear to me.

Homework Equations

Using the FBD of the block(B):
$mg-T=ma$ where $a$ is assumed its downward acceleration.
$N=mA$ where $A$ is the rightward acceleration as the normal force from the bigger block A is in the right ward direction. (Which is the problem)
$T+N=M\alpha$ where I assume that $\alpha$ is the acceleration of block A in the leftward direction (as both T and N are in the left direction for A)

The Attempt at a Solution

So there is nothing pulling B towards left so why will go in the left direction ¿

 

[CWatters]

What happens if the pulley and block A move to the left and B doesn't?

Edit: Seems to me you are over thinking the problem. It would probably be reasonable to assume that the mass of A >>B so that the acceleration to the left is small and the string remains vertical.

 

[mooncrater]

What happens if the pulley and block A move to the left and B doesn't?

Edit: Seems to me you are over
thinking the problem. It would probably be reasonable to assume that the mass of A >>B so that the acceleration to the left is small and the string remains vertical.

No... we can't assume that since in the question (from where I have asked this part) it's given that mass of A =40kg and mass of B is 20kg.

 

[Chestermiller]

What if block B were to lose contact with block A. What could then possibly make block B accelerate to the left?

Chet

 

[mooncrater]

What if block B were to lose contact with block A. What could then possibly make block B accelerate to the left?

Chet

Hmmm...
If we assume that A loses contact with B and goes towards left a small distance $x$, then the thread will form a small angle $\theta$ with the vertical because of which tension will have a leftward component along with the vertical one for B. Due to which "I think" the block B will move left. Is that what you want to say?

 

[Chestermiller]

Hmmm...
If we assume that A loses contact with B and goes towards left a small distance $x$, then the thread will form a small angle $\theta$ with the vertical because of which tension will have a leftward component along with the vertical one for B. Due to which "I think" the block B will move left. Is that what you want to say?

Yes. That's what I wanted you to say.

Chet

 

[CWatters]

Me too.

 

[aardwolf.sg]

Assuming there is no friction between block A and the surface it rest on, it will move.

 

[nasu]

Isn't the net force on the pulley pushing left even without contact?

 

[mooncrater]

Isn't the net force on the pulley pushing left even without contact?

Yes. Then what?

 

[nasu]

Isn't this what you asked?

"So there is nothing pulling B towards left so why will go in the left direction ¿"

 

[mooncrater]

Isn't this what you asked?

"So there is nothing pulling B towards left so why will go in the left direction ¿"

Oh... sorry. My bad.. but my doubt was already cleared. Thanks for a further push to my clarity for that obvious movement.