What is the force acting on a box on a conveyor belt?

In summary, the conversation discusses the scenario of a box on a conveyor belt moving faster and faster to the right. The static friction has already been overcome, causing the box to accelerate to the left relative to the conveyor belt. The net force acting on the box is a kinetic friction force to the right, a normal force, and a gravitational force. The question is whether the box is also moving to the left relative to the ground. After further discussion, it is determined that the box is not moving to the left relative to the ground.
  • #1
nietzsche
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I'm trying to figure this out. Suppose a box is on a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is moving faster and faster to the right, so that static friction has already been overcome. This means that relative to the conveyor belt, the box is accelerating to the left. But what is the net force acting on the box in this case? Where does this force come from? If I draw a free body diagram of the box, I can see there is a kinetic friction force acting to the right, a normal force and a gravitational force. So how can the object be moving towards the left relative to the conveyor belt?
 
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  • #2
The box may be moving to the left relative to the conveyor belt. But is it moving to the left relative to the ground?

AM
 
  • #3
Oh, I see now. That was easy. Thank you.
 

1. What is the force acting on a box on a conveyor belt?

The force acting on a box on a conveyor belt is the combination of the force of gravity pulling the box downward and the force of the belt pushing the box forward. This force is known as the net force and is responsible for the motion of the box on the conveyor belt.

2. How is the force of gravity affecting the box on the conveyor belt?

The force of gravity is a downward force that is always acting on the box. It pulls the box towards the center of the Earth and is responsible for the weight of the box. On the conveyor belt, this force is counteracted by the upward force of the belt, resulting in a net downward force.

3. What is the role of friction in the force acting on the box?

Friction is a force that opposes motion and is present between the box and the conveyor belt. It plays a crucial role in determining the force acting on the box. Friction between the box and the belt helps to keep the box in place and prevents it from sliding off the belt.

4. How does the speed of the conveyor belt affect the force on the box?

The speed of the conveyor belt does not directly affect the force acting on the box. However, a faster-moving belt may result in an increase in friction between the box and the belt, which can affect the net force on the box. Additionally, the speed of the conveyor belt will impact the acceleration of the box.

5. How can the force acting on the box be calculated?

The force acting on the box can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which states that force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration (F=ma). In this case, the mass of the box and the acceleration due to gravity and the acceleration of the conveyor belt must be taken into account to determine the net force acting on the box.

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