Tension problem, finding acceleration with kinetic friction

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a 2.0 kg block connected to two other blocks via frictionless pulleys. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the table is 0.17. The user attempts to derive the acceleration using three Newton's equations but encounters issues with a zero denominator, indicating potential algebraic errors or conceptual misunderstandings. The correct approach involves ensuring consistent equations that account for friction and the direction of acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of kinetic friction and its coefficient
  • Ability to set up and solve systems of equations
  • Familiarity with basic algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of Newton's second law (∑F = ma)
  • Study the effects of kinetic friction on motion
  • Learn how to correctly set up equations for connected systems of masses
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple blocks and pulleys
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of problem-solving in connected systems.

p0ps1c1e
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Three blocks are connected as shown in the uploaded picture. The strings and friction-less pulleys have negligible masses, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the 2.0 kg block and the table is 0.17. What is the acceleration of the 2.0 kg block?

Homework Equations


∑F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



So i wrote 3 Newton equations:

k-T1+T2 = m2a

T1-m1g = m1a

T2-m3g = m3a

Putting them together I got:

km2g - m1g + m3g = a(m2 + m1 - m3)and then tried to solve for acceleration. Problem is every time I do it I end up with a 0 in the denominator so I don't know if I'm doing something wrong conceptually or if I am just messing up in my algebra. I'm also not sure if all three of the blocks have the same acceleration. I would think so since they are all on a string.
 

Attachments

  • PhysicsDrawing1.png
    PhysicsDrawing1.png
    18.3 KB · Views: 697
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your equation do not match your drawing... but I think I can figure it out.
m1=1kg, m2=2kg and m3=3kg right?

The first equation is incorrect - what is the equation governing friction?
The last equation is inconsistent with the first two - check the direction for positive acceleration.
 
Oh derp... haha. Thanks.

I'm looking through my old exams and I'm finding so many little mistakes like that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K