Solving Friction & Gravity Homework: Acceleration of Blocs

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two blocks connected by a rope, with a focus on determining the acceleration of the blocks under the influence of friction and gravity. The coefficients of static and kinetic friction are provided, and Newton's second law is referenced as a key principle for analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of identifying the positions of the blocks and question the conditions under which they would move. There is mention of writing equations based on Newton's second law and the need to balance equations with unknowns. Some suggest drawing free body diagrams to visualize the forces acting on the blocks.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem setup. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for equations to match the number of unknowns, and the suggestion to draw diagrams has been made to clarify the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing information regarding the initial conditions of the blocks and the specific setup of the problem, which are being questioned by participants.

astrololo
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Homework Statement



Two blocs with the same mass have the same rope which links them. The friction coefficients are the same whatever the surface. The blocs are initialy stationary and we let them move. What is the module of the acceleration of the blocs if static coefficient of friction =0,25
Cinetic coefficient of friction = 0,2

Homework Equations



Newton's second law. Sum forces = ma
and
fs or c = u* n (friction formula)

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know what to do to be honest. I know what forces we have, I know how to write Newton's formula for each object and I get a total of 4 formulas for NEwton's second law. But after that, where do I go ?
 
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Where are the blocks? Why should they move at all? There is something missing.
astrololo said:
I don't know what to do to be honest. I know what forces we have, I know how to write Newton's formula for each object and I get a total of 4 formulas for NEwton's second law. But after that, where do I go ?
They are connected by a rope, so their distance cannot increase.
 
mfb said:
Where are the blocks? Why should they move at all? There is something missing.
They are connected by a rope, so their distance cannot increase.
I'm REALLY sorry, I forgot this : http://imgur.com/Dw7XvAE
 
You should get as many equations as unknowns, so you can solve the problem.
 
mfb said:
You should get as many equations as unknowns, so you can solve the problem.
Ok, so how many ? 2 in 2 ?
 
Draw a free body diagram for both blocks and match all the forces acting on the y and x axis
 
astrololo said:
Ok, so how many ? 2 in 2 ?
That depends on how you set up the equations. Some constraints can be included directly in the choice of variables.
It would help to show your equations.
 

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