Two masses connect by a rope over unequal slopes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two masses connected by a rope over slopes with unequal angles. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the forces acting on the masses and how to analyze the system, particularly in relation to tension and gravitational components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest analyzing the sum of forces in both the x and y directions for each mass. There is a focus on understanding the balance of forces and the implications of friction on the system's motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and guidance on how to approach the problem, including drawing free-body diagrams and applying Newton's laws. There is an ongoing exploration of the forces involved and the conditions for equilibrium, but no consensus has been reached on the specific setup or solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of provided answers in the textbook, which may contribute to their uncertainty. The problem involves analyzing forces in a non-standard configuration, which adds complexity to the discussion.

savva
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Hey Guys,

I'm stuck with two particular problems that relates to two masses attached by a rope on a slope with unequal angles and I'm unsure how to go about the problem, I have never accounted a problem such as these before and I'm stuck with how to go about it. I have taken two photos of the questions as they include a diagram!

Thanks in advanced.

Homework Statement



Q.9 and Q.19 are those I am referring to in the attachments.

Homework Equations



I believe looking at all the forces affecting the diagram, Tension, Gravity, Weight components, ultimately to my understanding ƩF=0 for the block to remain at rest, that is the forces balance. I am a bit confused on how to set out some of the forces as most problems I have encounted similar to this have a 90 degree angle where the block on the left is.

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not have answers to these two questions as they are not provided with the textbook
 

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For each mass try writing sum of all forces in x and y direction. [and show us how you wrote them]

Without going into calculations my intuition tells me the system will move to the left. [if there is no friction, can you tell what is the friction needed to keep the system at rest?]
 
estro said:
For each mass try writing sum of all forces in x and y direction. [and show us how you wrote them]

Without going into calculations my intuition tells me the system will move to the left. [if there is no friction, can you tell what is the friction needed to keep the system at rest?]

I don't know, I'm confused, I know the only possible forces that can act is tension and weight components but I don't know how to set it out. Here is an attempt anyway

F1=F2

F1:
x: mgcosθ
y: T-mgsinθ

F2:
x: T-mgcosθ
y: T-mgsinθ
 
1. Draw the system with all the forces, you don't need x and y as for both the masses all the relevant forces are in 1 dimension, choose the direction parallel to the slope. [in the other dimension sum of all forces are 0...]
2. Don't forget the Newton laws.
3. You will have 2 equations with two unknowns, do you know what they are?

Let your intuition help you.
Hint: What can you tell about a? [\sum F=ma]
 
Another hint, for each mass draw its own diagram and choose the coordinate system parallel to the slope.
 
Last edited:

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