Two packages stacked on one another

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two packages stacked in a delivery van, where the upper package is a glass vase with a mass of 4.0 kg and the lower package has a mass of 6.5 kg. The scenario includes considerations of static friction between the two packages as the van accelerates, with the goal of determining the minimum time required to reach a speed of 60 km/h without the upper package sliding off.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the acceleration of the upper package and the static friction that prevents it from sliding. There are attempts to formulate equations based on Newton's second law and the forces acting on the packages. Questions arise about how to set up the equations for both packages and the implications of the static friction.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and exploring different approaches to find the necessary acceleration and time. There is a recognition of the need to establish equations for both packages, but no consensus has been reached on the specific methods to apply.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring the upper package does not slide off during acceleration, which introduces constraints related to the coefficient of static friction and the forces involved. The problem also involves the application of kinematic principles to determine time based on acceleration.

hamzaarfeen
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Homework Statement


A delivery van has two packages left that are stacked one on top of another. The upper packages
has a mass of 4.0 kg and is a poorly packaged glass vase, while the lower package has a mass
6.5 kg. The coefficient of static friction between the two packages is 0.211 and the lower box is
fixed to the floor of the van. Since the delivery person is late, he has been accelerating quickly
whenever he has stopped and started (at lights, stop sign etc.), however he never exceeds the
town's speed limit of 60 km/h. What is the minimum amount of time it takes for him to reach
his top speed while still keeping the vase from breaking (sliding off the top box).

Homework Equations


friction= coefficient x contact force
fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


friction = 0.211x 4kg x 9.81
= 8.24N
what do i do next?
 
Last edited:
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a hint: for the 4kg box not to slide off of the 6.5kg box it must have the same acceleration as the 6.5kg box, this acceleration is caused by the static friction between the two boxes
 
so how can i solve it? if i make two equations, then one can be made for the upper box using f=ma, but what about the other equation?
 
hamzaarfeen said:
so how can i solve it? if i make two equations, then one can be made for the upper box using f=ma, but what about the other equation?
find the acceleration using the hint, and then using this acceleration find the time to reach 60 km/h...I hope I'm not giving away too much but to find the acceleration know that:
[itex]F_{fr top} = (m_{top})(a) = (u_s)(F_{N top})[/itex]
 

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