Tension On An Inclined Slope

In summary: I see what you are saying here, if the net force worked to hold the system in place, well then when μs changes to μk then we can use the same formula. We just need to consider both masses.
  • #1
myxomatosii
80
0

Homework Statement



Figure P8.36 shows a block of mass m resting on a 20° slope. The block has coefficients of friction µs = 0.83 and µk = 0.47 with the surface. It is connected via a massless string over a massless, frictionless pulley to a hanging block of mass m2 = 2.0 kg.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9688/p836.gif [Broken](a) What is the minimum mass m that will stick and not slip?
m_1=1.783kg
(b) If this mimimum mass is nudged ever so slightly, it will start being pulled up the incline. What acceleration will it have?
a_x= ?

Homework Equations



F=ma
T=ma
f_k=μ_k*n
n=m*g*cos(θ)

m_1 = 1.783kg
m_2 = 2.0kg
θ = 20 degrees
T = 19.6N
μ_k = 0.47
μ_s = 0.83

The Attempt at a Solution

I found the mass m_1 using.. (part A)

m_1=(T/(μ_s*g*cos(θ)+gsin(θ))

..and I tried to find the a_x using forces.. (Part B begins here)

T - f_k - m*g*sin(θ) = m*a_x

..which gave me the equation...

a_x=(T/m_1)-(μ*g*cos(θ))-(g*sin(θ))

..and I am not sure if I am doing the math wrong but my answers are rejected.

Could anyone perhaps check my force diagram and algebra?
 
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  • #2
I get a similar answer for a) of 1.78 kg. Maybe it's a significant digit issue?

for b) I just figured what the net force difference was on the basis of the change in μ. Then I applied that to the total mass to figure the acceleration.
 
  • #3
LowlyPion said:
I get a similar answer for a) of 1.78 kg. Maybe it's a significant digit issue?

for b) I just figured what the net force difference was on the basis of the change in μ. Then I applied that to the total mass to figure the acceleration.

Well yea, sorry I didn't say it clearly but answer A was accepted.

For B yea, I think I'm doing it right..
 
  • #4
myxomatosii said:
Well yea, sorry I didn't say it clearly but answer A was accepted.

For B yea, I think I'm doing it right..

Your formula for acceleration can't be correct because you have to consider the total mass of the 2 blocks.

Maybe try my previous suggestion?
 
  • #5
LowlyPion said:
Your formula for acceleration can't be correct because you have to consider the total mass of the 2 blocks.

Maybe try my previous suggestion?

Hmmm okay. I'll have to go back and re-read the section on interaction between two bodies. I'm having difficulty understanding that concept and that is currently what all my problems consist of, hehe~
 
  • #6
Since both blocks are tied together, if they are to accelerate together, then their mass must be accelerated together and whatever the motive force then acceleration will be a consequence of the combined masses and the force.
 
  • #7
LowlyPion said:
Since both blocks are tied together, if they are to accelerate together, then their mass must be accelerated together and whatever the motive force then acceleration will be a consequence of the combined masses and the force.

If I was creating an equation I would simply add the idea of F=m2g to the acceleration then, Would I then subtract the T force suspending the block?

Well I guess that in turn would cancel the Tension force I was using to accelerate it up the ramp... wait no that doesn't make sense..

Oh.. in my equation maybe I just need to change..

ax=(T/m1)-(μ*g*cos(θ))-(g*sin(θ))

to

ax=(T/mboth)-(μ*g*cos(θ))-(g*sin(θ))

Would that take into account both blocks? I don't think so... I think I need a new equation don't I?
 
  • #8
In the problem you have solved for the weight at which it is just stable using the static coefficient of friction.

If you take that equation and instead use the kinetic coefficient of friction then you have an instability right? You have a net force that you can calculate directly as merely the Δ of the μ's times the normal force of the mass on the incline.

F = (μs - μk)*cosθ*m1*g

That yields a net force. Fnet

That force is free to accelerate the system now. But the system has a mass of m1 + m2

So then isn't your a = Fnet/(m1+m2)
 
  • #9
μ θ

Ok so I ran through the problem with the idea that both of the masses must be taken into consideration when accelerating the mass on the slope. So.

I came up with..

ax=((T-μkmgCos(θ)-mgSin(θ))/MBoth)

Would that take it into account the way you meant for me to?
 
  • #10
LowlyPion said:
In the problem you have solved for the weight at which it is just stable using the static coefficient of friction.

If you take that equation and instead use the kinetic coefficient of friction then you have an instability right? You have a net force that you can calculate directly as merely the Δ of the μ's times the normal force of the mass on the incline.

F = (μs - μk)*cosθ*m1*g

That yields a net force. Fnet

That force is free to accelerate the system now. But the system has a mass of m1 + m2

So then isn't your a = Fnet/(m1+m2)

I see what you are saying here, if the net force worked to hold the system in place, well then when μs changes to μk then we can use the same formula. We just need to consider both masses.

My main question at the moment is.. when taking into account both masses and dividing by them, it is t hen necessary to add a special subscript (ie: mboth) to differentiate them from the others. Now, in dividing by that mass instead of the original mass the equation becomes a bit more complicated since the masses are not going to cancel out the way they would in a normal "F=ma" to "a=F/m" step, right?

So instead of going from something like..

axm=F-mgCos(θ)

to

ax=(F/m)-gCos(θ)

instead it works like..

axmboth=F-mgCos(θ)

to

ax=((F-mgCos(θ))/mboth)

All I'm trying to say is the masses don't cancel out now, which they used to, which makes sense, right?
 
  • #11
Thanks =)

I know I talk to myself a lot but it helps me the most I guess

The answer to part 2 was..


ax=((T-μkmgCos(θ)-mgSin(θ))/MBoth)
 
  • #12
myxomatosii said:
Thanks =)

I know I talk to myself a lot but it helps me the most I guess

The answer to part 2 was..

ax=((T-μkmgCos(θ)-mgSin(θ))/MBoth)

Honestly I haven't worked it out with the formalism of the variables. The use of T in the equation seems a little counter intuitive to me because it seems itself affected by the acceleration.
 
  • #13
LowlyPion said:
Honestly I haven't worked it out with the formalism of the variables. The use of T in the equation seems a little counter intuitive to me because it seems itself affected by the acceleration.

In my head I saw that the T was the Force behind the acceleration which was made by the second mass and its reaction to gravity.. so the second mass is part of T itself, I think?

Anyway, I mean to elaborate as to why I agree with you, I'm just not good at explaining myself.

But thank you, I doubt I would've figured it out without your help.
 

What is tension on an inclined slope?

Tension on an inclined slope refers to the force that is exerted on an object placed on an inclined surface. It is the result of the weight of the object and the force of gravity acting on it.

How is tension calculated on an inclined slope?

Tension on an inclined slope can be calculated using the formula T = mg sinθ, where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of the slope.

What factors affect the tension on an inclined slope?

The tension on an inclined slope is affected by the angle of the slope, the mass of the object, and the force of gravity. The steeper the slope, the greater the tension will be. Similarly, a heavier object or a stronger force of gravity will result in a higher tension.

How does friction impact the tension on an inclined slope?

Friction can act in either direction on an inclined slope. If the friction force is in the same direction as the tension force, it will reduce the tension. However, if the friction force is opposite to the tension force, it will increase the tension.

Can tension be greater than the weight of the object on an inclined slope?

Yes, tension can be greater than the weight of the object on an inclined slope. This can happen when the angle of the slope is steep enough to create a strong tension force that is greater than the weight of the object.

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