The motion of 2 objects in contact

In summary, for the given system with an object of mass m=2kg and a cylinder with radius R, the acceleration can be determined by using Newton's second law and the equations ΣF=ma and Στ=Ia(angular). By assuming a coefficient of friction of μ=0.5 between the two masses, it can be determined that the acceleration of the system is a=2m/s^2. However, if the friction between the two masses is taken into account, it would only affect the circular motion of the cylinder and the acceleration would be a=2.6m/s^2.
  • #1
PhysicS FAN
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Homework Statement
An object of mass m=2kg rests in a horizontal level with a coeffcient of friction μ=0.5. A cylinder with radius R is placed near the first obect. The mass of cylinder is m=2kg and we know that Ι=1/2mR^2. At a some time instant we start pushing the system with a force of 23N, in such a way that the force passes through the center of the cylinder. What is the acceleration of the system?

Correct Answer: a=2m/s^2
Relevant Equations
ΣF=ma, Στ=Ia(angular), T=μmg
For the non-circular object of mass m: From Newtons second law we get that F-N-T=ma where N is the force that the cylinder acts on the object. Replacing numbers: 13-N=2a.
For the cylinder: From Στ=Τa(ang) we get that T'= 1/2ma or T'=a. Where T' is the friction that acts on the cylinder and we assume that its static which means a=a(ang)R.
From ΣF=ma we get N-T'=ma where N' is the reaction of N. N=3a.
Replacing: 13-3a=2a or a=13/5. and if we do the math for the firction we see that the friction for the cylinder is indeed static.
I don't know where I am wrong. Any Help?
 

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  • #2
PhysicS FAN said:
Homework Statement: An object of mass m=2kg rests in a horizontal level with a coeffcient of friction μ=0.5. A cylinder with radius R is placed near the first obect. The mass of cylinder is m=2kg and we know that Ι=1/2mR^2. At a some time instant we start pushing the system with a force of 23N, in such a way that the force passes through the center of the cylinder. What is the acceleration of the system?

Correct Answer: a=2m/s^2
Homework Equations: ΣF=ma, Στ=Ia(angular), T=μmg

For the non-circular object of mass m: From Newtons second law we get that F-N-T=ma where N is the force that the cylinder acts on the object. Replacing numbers: 13-N=2a.
For the cylinder: From Στ=Τa(ang) we get that T'= 1/2ma or T'=a. Where T' is the friction that acts on the cylinder and we assume that its static which means a=a(ang)R.
From ΣF=ma we get N-T'=ma where N' is the reaction of N. N=3a.
Replacing: 13-3a=2a or a=13/5. and if we do the math for the firction we see that the friction for the cylinder is indeed static.
I don't know where I am wrong. Any Help?
I get the given answer by assuming the same coefficient of friction applies between the two masses.
 
  • #3
I guess you are right but still if we assume that there is friction between the two masses then the friction will only affect the circular motion of the cylinder. So it would be written T'-μΝ= 1/2ma where N the force between the objects and its horizontal. So T'- 0.5(13-2a)=a and so T' - o.5*13=0 or T=o.5*13
and then because we know that 13-T'=4a we get 13-1/2*13 =4a or 4a=1/2*13 and so is not 2
(We know that 13-N=2a and N-T'=ma so 13-T'=4a)
 
Last edited:

1. What is the physics principle behind the motion of 2 objects in contact?

The motion of 2 objects in contact is governed by Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when two objects come into contact, they exert equal and opposite forces on each other, resulting in a combined motion.

2. How does the mass of the objects affect their motion?

The mass of the objects does not directly affect their motion in contact. However, the mass does affect the force of the contact, as the force is directly proportional to the mass according to Newton's Second Law of Motion.

3. Can the motion of 2 objects in contact be predicted?

Yes, the motion of 2 objects in contact can be predicted using the laws of physics and mathematical equations such as Newton's laws and the equations of motion. However, external factors such as friction and air resistance may also play a role in the actual motion.

4. What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

In an elastic collision, the objects involved rebound off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. In an inelastic collision, the objects stick together and there is a loss of kinetic energy due to deformation or heat. The motion of 2 objects in contact can be either elastic or inelastic, depending on the properties of the objects and the force applied.

5. How does the angle of contact between the objects affect their motion?

The angle of contact between the objects can affect their motion in terms of the direction and magnitude of the forces involved. For example, if the objects are in contact at an angle, the forces may be resolved into components in different directions, resulting in a curved or non-linear motion.

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