Solving a Physics Problem Involving Two Blocks Connected by a Cord

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving two blocks connected by a cord over a frictionless pulley. The first block has a mass of 6.00 kg and experiences kinetic friction with a coefficient of 0.50, while the second block has a mass of 4.00 kg. The calculated acceleration for both blocks is 0.98 m/s², and the tension in the cord is determined to be 35.28 N. The discrepancy with the textbook answer of 0.1 m/s² is attributed to a likely typo.

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  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Knowledge of kinetic friction and its calculation
  • Familiarity with pulley systems in physics
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
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  • Review Newton's Second Law applications in multi-body systems
  • Study the principles of friction in physics, focusing on kinetic friction
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding dynamics involving connected systems and frictional forces.

Edwardo_Elric
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Homework Statement


A block with mass 6.00kg resting on a horizontal surface is connected by a horizontal cord passing over a light frictionless pulley to a hanging block with mass 4.00kg. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the horizontal surface is 0.50. After the blocks are released,
a.) Find the acceleration of each block
b.) The tension in the cord.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


a.)
uk = 0.50
fk = ukN
fk = 0.50(6.00kg)(9.8m/s^2)
Summation of the mass of 6.00kg block
m1a = T - fk
m1a = T - 0.50(6.00kg)(9.8m/s^2)

Summation of the mass of 4kg block
m2a = m2g - T

so i add both the two forces:
m1a = T - 0.50(6.00kg)(9.8m/s^2)
+m2a = m2g - T
________________
(m1+m2)a = m2g - 0.50(6.00kg)(9.8m/s^2)
a = { (4.00kg)(9.8m/s^2) - 0.50(6.00kg)(9.8m/s^2) } / {6.00kg+4.00kg}
a = 0.98m/s^2

dont know how the back of the book got an answer of 0.1m/s^2

b.) m2a = m2g - T
(4.00kg)(.98m/s^2) = (4.00kg)(9.8) - T
T = 35.28N
 
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Your method and answers look correct to me. (Must be a typo in the book.)
 

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