What Forces Affect Motion in Block Dynamics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in block dynamics, specifically focusing on the forces affecting motion. Participants are analyzing the effects of friction, tension, and gravitational forces on two masses connected by a rope, as well as the calculations involved in determining acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various equations related to kinetic friction and Newton's second law. There are attempts to calculate the normal force and the resulting acceleration of the system. Questions arise regarding the inclusion of both masses in calculations and the correct interpretation of forces acting on each mass.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing dialogue with participants providing guidance and questioning assumptions about the setup and calculations. Some participants suggest re-evaluating the forces acting on the masses and the overall approach to the problem. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, and there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in calculations and the importance of considering both masses when determining acceleration. The problem's constraints include a focus on the acceleration of only one mass, despite the interconnected nature of the system.

  • #31
Well, the 231.3 value of M2 should be enough to break the M1 block free and start it sliding. I'd thought for a moment that the answer might be a=0 for the 3rd question, if M2 were not heavy enough to start the pair sliding.

I'm not sure what we could be missing. I've asked for other Homework Helpers to take a look at this thread, to see if they see something that should be corrected. I'll keep looking at it, and hopefully you will get somebody else to check out the work. Post a reply to my post here, so that your name shows up at the end of the thread instead of mine (that will help you get others to look in).
 
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  • #32
I just got word from one of the HH'ers, and we have been forgetting the vertical component of M1's weight in the force summation equation. As the ramp angle gets steeper, the normal force gets less, and the vertical component of the weight of M1 gets bigger.

Can you account for that vertical component of M1's weight in the force summation?
 
  • #33
What you're missing is component of M1's weight parallel to the incline when finding ƩF.
 
  • #34
Doc Al said:
What you're missing is component of M1's weight parallel to the incline when finding ƩF.

Thanks Doc!
 
  • #35
so.. what to do?
 
  • #36
When in doubt, re-evaluate your current situation.

List the forces operating to cause or impede motion on each block. Specify numerical values if you have them, otherwise just indicate the variable name.
 

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