Two blocks kept side by side and friction between them

In summary: Friction always opposes motion between surfaces. If there were enough friction to move the mass upwards, there would be enough friction to resist that motion!
  • #1
Hamiltonian
296
190
Homework Statement
in the given figure a force F I applied on a block of mass M and the coefficient of friction(u) between the two blocks of mass M and m is u. the surface on which the block of mass M is kept is smooth. for a force F > g(M+m)/u will the block of mass m move upward
Relevant Equations
f = ma
frict between blocks.jpeg
if the applied force F >(M+m)g/##\mu## the force of friction between the two blocks should become f=N##\mu## and since the normal reaction will be greater than what it should be to keep the block m at rest with respect to M, will the mass m accelerate upwards.

in short,for let's say a very large F can the block of mass m overcome the force of gravity and move upwards due to the force of friction between them. as f=N##\mu## and as the force F increase N also increases and at some time the force of friction f will become grater than mg.
 
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  • #2
Friction always acts to oppose motion between surfaces. If there were enough friction to move the mass upwards, there would be enough friction to resist that motion!
 
  • #3
@Hamiltonian299792458 , You appear to be making the classic error of confusing the maximum static frictional force, ##\mu_sN##, with the actual frictional force.
 
  • #4
PeroK said:
Friction always acts to oppose motion between surfaces. If there were enough friction to move the mass upwards, there would be enough friction to resist that motion!
so its impossible for block m to move upward
 
  • #5
Hamiltonian299792458 said:
so its impossible for block m to move upward
Why wouldn't friction move it downward instead? Or sideways?
 
  • #6
Hamiltonian299792458 said:
so its impossible for block m to move upward
There is no reason for it to move upward. The actual frictional force will never exceed the force needed to prevent relative motion of the surfaces, in this case mg.
 
  • #7
As mentioned, friction will not do the trick. But you could alter the problem so that the right face of the block is slightly less steep than vertical. In the box frame, the inertial force will have a small component parallel to the plane, which must oppose both the components of friction and gravity parallel to the plane if it is to slide upward.
 
  • #8
ok i think i understand my mistake, as N increases that's just increase the maximum frictional force and not the force that is acting in the given case
 
  • #9
etotheipi said:
As mentioned, friction will not do the trick. But you could alter the problem so that the right face of the block is slightly less steep than vertical. In the box frame, the inertial force will have a small component parallel to the plane, which must oppose both the components of friction and gravity parallel to the plane if it is to slide upward.
.. and the question posed might then be what the maximum angle of the face to the vertical is such that, at sufficient applied force, m will slide upwards.
 
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Likes etotheipi
  • #10
Hamiltonian299792458 said:
ok i think i understand my mistake, as N increases that's just increase the maximum frictional force and not the force that is acting in the given case
You need to remember this because you've gone wrong on several problems now with this idea.
 

1. What is friction and how does it affect two blocks kept side by side?

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of two surfaces in contact with each other. In the context of two blocks kept side by side, friction can cause the blocks to resist sliding against each other.

2. How does the weight of the blocks affect the friction between them?

The weight of the blocks can affect the friction between them by increasing the force pressing the two surfaces together. This can result in a higher friction force between the blocks.

3. What factors can influence the amount of friction between two blocks?

The amount of friction between two blocks can be influenced by factors such as the roughness of the surfaces, the weight of the blocks, and the presence of any lubricants or other substances between the blocks.

4. How can the friction between two blocks be reduced?

The friction between two blocks can be reduced by using a lubricant, such as oil or grease, between the surfaces. Another way to reduce friction is by making the surfaces smoother through polishing or using materials with lower coefficients of friction.

5. What is the difference between static and kinetic friction in the context of two blocks kept side by side?

Static friction is the force that resists the initial motion of two surfaces in contact, while kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion of two surfaces that are already in motion. In the context of two blocks kept side by side, static friction acts to prevent the blocks from sliding against each other, while kinetic friction acts to slow down or stop the blocks' motion.

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