Solving 3 Block and Pulley Homework

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving two blocks (m1 and m2) connected by a pulley to a third block (m3). The problem requires calculating the friction force between blocks 1 and 2 when they move together with acceleration 'a', and determining the minimum mass of block 3 (m3) required for block 1 to start moving relative to block 2. Key equations include F = (m1 + m2)a for the total force and fs = m1 * g * μ for the maximum static friction force.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
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  • Familiarity with basic pulley systems in physics
  • Ability to apply free body diagrams to analyze forces
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Homework Statement


A block of mass m1 is on top of a block of mass m2. Block 2 is connected by an ideal rope passing through a pulley to a block of unknown mass m3 as shown. The pulley is massless and frictionless. There is friction between block 1 and 2 and between the horizontal surface and block 2. Assume that the coefficient of kinetic friction between block 2 and the surface, μ, is equal to the coefficient of static friction between blocks 1 and 2.

Q1 : The mass of block 3 has been changed such that block 1 and block 2 are moving together with a given acceleration of magnitude a. What is the magnitude and the direction of the force of friction exerted by block 2 on block 1?

Q2: What is the minimum value of m3 for which block 1 will start to move relative to block 2?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



For part 1, I thought that the force needed to move both block 1 and block 2 would be F= (m_1+m_2)a, but I couldn't think of how I should compute the friction force between block 1 and block 2. I know that the maximum friction force for block 1 is fs=m_1*g*mu

For part 2, I still couldn't get my head around it...

Please help! I'm generally confused with this problem.
 
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For part 1, can you list all forces acting on block 1, and the necessary force to accelerate it?
Part 2 will follow from part 1.
 

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