Tension of string holding one mass to a wall, on top of another moving mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two blocks, where a 4.82 kg block is placed on a 10.7 kg block, and a horizontal force of 69.7 N is applied to the lower block. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the surfaces is 0.197, and the gravitational acceleration is 9.8 m/s². The key to solving the problem lies in calculating the normal forces to determine the frictional forces acting on both blocks, which ultimately affects the tension in the string holding the upper block to the wall.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of frictional forces and coefficients of friction
  • Ability to calculate normal forces in a multi-body system
  • Familiarity with tension in strings and its relation to forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate normal forces acting on both blocks in the given scenario
  • Determine the frictional force using the coefficient of friction (0.197)
  • Analyze the net force acting on the 10.7 kg block after accounting for friction
  • Calculate the tension in the string holding the 4.82 kg block to the wall
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for college students studying introductory physics, particularly those tackling problems involving forces, friction, and tension in multi-body systems.

finniusmorgan
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Hello!
This is my first post, I am taking an introductory physics course during my second semester of college and having some trouble with this problem. I hope I have followed the correct format, I appreciate any help that can be offered!

Homework Statement



A 4.82 kg block is placed on top of a 10.7 kg
block. A horizontal force of F = 69.7 N is
applied to the 10.7 kg block, and the 4.82 kg
block is tied to the wall. The coefficient of
kinetic friction between all moving surfaces
is 0.197. There is friction both between the
masses and between the 10.7 kg block and the
ground.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .

Homework Equations



F=ma
f= [coefficient of friction]*Fn


The Attempt at a Solution



I really don't know how to find the normal forces that are used in finding the frictional force, but after that I would subtract the friction from the horizontal force to find the net force on the bottom (10.7kg) object, but I do not understand how to relate that to the tension in the string holding the second object.

Thank you!
 
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Hint : The frictional force between the blocks acts in different directions for the bodies. Tension can be calculated from it..
 

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