What Are The Acceleration and Tension in This Block System?

  • Thread starter Thread starter PhysicslyDSBL
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Blocks
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration and tension in a system of two blocks, with masses m1 = 2 kg and m2 = 3 kg, being pulled by a force of Fp = 25 N. The coefficient of friction between the blocks and the floor is µ = 0.3. The correct acceleration of the blocks is determined to be 2.06 m/s² after accounting for friction, which was initially overlooked. The tension in the string connecting the blocks is also a critical component of the problem, requiring further calculation based on the established acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = m*a)
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients and their impact on motion
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Familiarity with tension in connected systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the tension in the string using the derived acceleration and forces acting on each block.
  • Explore the effects of varying the coefficient of friction on the system's acceleration.
  • Learn about systems of connected objects in physics to understand more complex interactions.
  • Review the principles of dynamics to solidify understanding of forces and motion.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of force, mass, and acceleration interactions.

PhysicslyDSBL
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Blocks on Floor - I got it!

Homework Statement


A block of mass m1 = 2 kg and a block of mass m2 = 3 kg are tied together and are pulled from rest across the floor by a force of Fp = 25 N. The coefficient of friction of the blocks with the floor is µ = 0.3. (the blocks are being moved in the same direction, to the right).

a) What is the acceleration of the two blocks?

b) What is the tension in the string between the blocks?

Homework Equations



F=m*a

The Attempt at a Solution



I have only attempted a so far. I added the mass of the two blocks and divided it by the force to hopefully get acceleration.

I didn't account for friction. I calculated for a and got 2.06 m/s^2.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org


nevermind... I see you got it.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Calculating Force and Acceleration in a Two Block System with Varying Friction
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Tension in a string connecting two blocks having equal and opposite velocities
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Finding the work done by a block
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Static Friction Required to Keep the System from Moving (Two Boxes)
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Friction, Mass and Acceleration: Analyzing Block Motion
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Find the acceleration of the system (2 blocks sliding on a table)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Calculating acceleration of a prism and block connected to a wall through a rope and pulley
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Calculating Net Force of 3 Blocks in an Elevator
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Rocket + Connected Body Dynamics problem
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
3K