Two blocks on top of each other

[fishiiie]

Hi guys, it's my first time posting here so please forgive me for anything wrong!

Homework Statement

A block of mass m = 0.570 kg rests on top of a block of mass M = 2.30 kg. A string
attached to the block of mass M is pulled so that its tension is T = 6.20 N at a 20 degree angle to
the horizontal. The blocks move together. The coefficient of static friction at
the surface between the blocks is μs = 0.43; there is no friction at the surface between
block M and the floor.

a) What is the direction of the frictional force being exerted on the top block of mass m?
Justify your answer.

b) The tension T is now increased - what is the maximum tension, T_max, with which the string can be pulled such that the blocks continue to move together (i.e. that the block of
mass m does not start to slide on top of the block of mass M)?

Homework Equations

F_net = ma
F_smax ≤ μF_n

The Attempt at a Solution

a) (Just getting some clarifications on this one to see if I did it right.)
I wrote that friction force should be directed to the left, since static friction (and kinetic friction) always opposes the direction of motion/acceleration.

b) So I'm just trying to draw FBDs for the two blocks and I'm getting confused just doing it. I can't even get the answer if I can't get the FBDs right, so please help me :(

FBDs:
Top block (m):
ƩF_x: -Fs = ma
ƩF_y: Fn = mg

Bottom block (M):
ƩF_x: Tcos20 - Fs = Ma
ƩF_y: Fn + Tsin20 = Mg

I'm assuming that both blocks have a normal force on them, but I'm not so sure because I'm getting very confused between normal force and contact force... (Newton's Third Law)

And I'm not sure about the frictional force between the two blocks in the FBDs.. Since it's acting on both blocks (because the friction is between the two blocks), it is included in both of the blocks' FBDs.. right?

 

[voko]

Let's tackle a) first. If the static friction opposed the motion of the top block, then what force set it in motion in the first place?

 

[fishiiie]

The tension in the string? I split the tension T into its components, Tx and Ty ... and I believe this force only acts on the bottom block, not the top.

 

[voko]

I believe this force only acts on the bottom block, not the top.

If that is so, what set the top block in motion?

 

[fishiiie]

The acceleration, since the acceleration is the same for the two blocks.

 

[fishiiie]

I don't understand what you're trying to get at, voko.. >< I'm just trying to get the FBDs..

 

[voko]

Acceleration is a consequence, it is not the cause. When an object begins to move, it will be accelerating just because it begins to move. But what makes an object move, or, more correctly, accelerate?

A force is required to accelerate an object. What forces act on the top block? Which of them makes it accelerate and stay together with the bottom block??

 

[Jabababa]

Acceleration is a consequence, it is not the cause. When an object begins to move, it will be accelerating just because it begins to move. But what makes an object move, or, more correctly, accelerate?

A force is required to accelerate an object. What forces act on the top block? Which of them makes it accelerate and stay together with the bottom block??

I am on this same problem. So let me see if i am on the right track.

Since the bottom block is pulled by the string it will move, and in order for the top of the mass to move, the top mass will have to "stick" with the bottom mass. Therefore the force that makes the top mass stay still and move with bottom mass involves the static friction. Am i correct on this voko?

If yes, then would the forces that makes the top block accelerate are the Ty(tension in the y-axis) + Fs or Ty-Fs?

 

[voko]

Since the bottom block is pulled by the string it will move, and in order for the top of the mass to move, the top mass will have to "stick" with the bottom mass. Therefore the force that makes the top mass stay still and move with bottom mass involves the static friction. Am i correct on this voko?

Yes.

If yes, then would the forces that makes the top block accelerate are the Ty(tension in the y-axis) + Fs or Ty-Fs?

How can the force of tension accelerate the top block if it is not applied to it?

 

[Jabababa]

Yes.



How can the force of tension accelerate the top block if it is not applied to it?

so the static friction is the force that makes the top move with the bottom block. Then is the friction force pointing to the right? Sorry I got the concept but still confuse which direction.

Also how do you suggest I tackle on the second question?

 

[voko]

Also how do you suggest I tackle on the second question?

According to the rules of the forum, you have to show an attempt.