The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving friction and forces acting on two blocks, one resting on top of the other. Participants are trying to determine the forces involved and the conditions under which the blocks interact, particularly focusing on the frictional forces and the implications of a frictionless surface beneath the lower block.
The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants have provided hints and guidance on how to approach the problem, particularly regarding free body diagrams and the application of Newton's laws. There is no explicit consensus yet on the correct approach or solution.
Participants express confusion over the problem and the equations from the textbook, indicating a potential gap in understanding the underlying principles. There is mention of a frictionless surface, which is a key aspect of the problem that is being examined.
Your logic is flawed. Draw a FBD of the top block and calculate its acceleration. The max friction force that can act on the top block without slippage is 12N. The 12N friction force is the only force acting on the top block. Once you get the acceleration, solve for F with a FBD of the system.kchau said:well I am not sure how to solve it, i just used logic.
basically the way i see it, there is always 4.4kg resting on top of the slab, and no matter where you push, there will always be 12.0N applied to both blocks at the same time, mainly because the bottom of the slab is frictionless.