Solving Mechanics Problem: Friction, 2 Boys, Toy Acceleration

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The discussion centers on a mechanics problem involving two boys pulling a toy with a mass of 3 kg on rough ground with a coefficient of friction of 0.3. The older boy exerts a force of 26 N at a 39-degree angle, while the younger boy pulls with 24 N at a 9-degree angle. The calculated acceleration of the toy is 0.178 m/s², with the direction of acceleration confirmed to be towards the younger boy's pull, as friction opposes the motion initiated by the older boy.

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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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