Relative motion on a conveyor belt

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of sand as it transitions from conveyor belt A to conveyor belt B. Belt A operates at a constant velocity of 6.0 ft/s, while belt B operates at 8.0 ft/s. The velocity of the sand relative to belt B upon landing is determined to be 20.1 ft/s at an angle of 85.1 degrees. The equation used for this calculation is VS/B = VS - VB, where VS represents the velocity of the sand and VB is the velocity of belt B.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative motion concepts
  • Familiarity with vector decomposition
  • Knowledge of projectile motion analysis
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition and subtraction in physics
  • Learn about projectile motion and its equations
  • Explore the application of trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Review the principles of relative velocity in moving systems
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone involved in conveyor system design or analysis, particularly those focusing on motion dynamics and vector calculations.

JJBladester
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Homework Statement


Belt A conveys sand with a velocity of 6.0 ft/s (constant). The velocity of belt B is 8 ft/s (constant). Determine the velocity of the sand relative to B as it lands on belt B. Answer: VS/B=20.1 ft/s at 85.1 degrees

conveyor%20belt.jpg


Homework Equations



VS/B = VS-VB
(Velocity of sand relative to belt B = velocity of sand as it hits belt B - velocity of belt B)

The Attempt at a Solution



VB=8cos(15°)+8sin(15°) = -7.727[tex]\hat{i}[/tex]+2.071[tex]\hat{j}[/tex](ft/s)

My trouble is with finding VS. I know that on the horizontal section of belt A, the sand's velocity (VS) is -6[tex]\hat{i}[/tex]+0[tex]\hat{j}[/tex](ft/s).

When the sand hits the bend where belt A is not horizontal anymore, but starts to bend into belt B, the velocity of the sand changes.

I think I'm stuck on the trig of what the angle is and how the 5ft contributes to finding the correct angle that the sand runs into belt B.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
when the sand leaves the belt A, its in free fall. use projectile motion analysis to find
the velocity 5 ft below, when it hits belt B.
 

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