Solving Mechanics Problem: Friction, 2 Boys, Toy Acceleration

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    Friction Mechanics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanics problem involving two boys pulling a toy with different forces at angles, while considering the effects of friction. The participants explore whether the toy will move and, if so, the magnitude and direction of its acceleration. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification related to forces and friction in a physics context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims to have calculated the acceleration as 0.178 m/s² but is uncertain about the direction of that acceleration.
  • Another participant suggests that friction acts opposite to the direction of motion, prompting a question about who "wins" in the tug-of-war scenario.
  • A subsequent reply clarifies that if the acceleration is positive, then friction acts in the opposite direction to the younger boy's pull.
  • Another participant reiterates that the acceleration is in the direction of the younger boy’s pull and presents a mathematical inequality to support this claim.
  • The same mathematical inequality is repeated, indicating a focus on the conditions under which the younger boy's force overcomes the older boy's force and friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the direction of acceleration and the impact of friction, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding who ultimately prevails in the tug-of-war and the resulting motion of the toy.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the net forces acting on the toy, the precise calculations of forces involved, and the implications of the angles at which the boys are pulling. The mathematical steps presented have not been fully resolved or agreed upon by all participants.

Shah 72
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Two boys are arguing over who gets to play with a toy. The toy has mass 3kg and is at rest on rough horizontal ground with coefficient of friction 0.3. The older boy pulls with a force of 26N at an angle of 39 degree above the horizontal. The younger boy pulls in the opposite direction with a force of 24N at an angle of 9 degree above the horizontal. Determine whether the toy moves. If it accelerates find the size of the acceleration and direction.

Iam able to solve this.
I got a= 0.178m/s^2. What iam not able to reason is the direction of acceleration. Pls help
 
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in this case, friction acts opposite to the direction of motion … who wins?
 
skeeter said:
in this case, friction acts opposite to the direction of motion …
You mean the acceleration is positive so the friction acts in the opposite direction which is the young boy?
 
acceleration is in the direction of the young boy’s pull …

$24\cos(9) > 26\cos(39) + 0.3[3g - 24\sin(9) - 26\sin(39)]$
 
skeeter said:
acceleration is in the direction of the young boy’s pull …

$24\cos(9) > 26\cos(39) + 0.3[3g - 24\sin(9) - 26\sin(39)]$
Thank you so much!
 

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