Which Block Hits First, Block 1 or Block 2?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Himanshu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Blocks Two blocks
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
Himanshu
Messages
67
Reaction score
0
A tale of two blocks. "HELP!"

Homework Statement



The system shown below consists of two identical blocks of mass M connected by a massless, flexible string of length 2L. The string passes through a massless pulley which is fixed to the corner of the
supporting table. The string and the masses move with no friction, and gravity acts downward as usual. The system is allowed to move freely from the position shown in the figure.
Which happens first: (i) Block 1 hits the pulley, or (2) Block 2 hits the wall?

C:\Documents and Settings\a\My Documents\My Pictures\untitled1





The attempt at a solution

Frankly I really don't have ane any idea. I considered the tension in the string which is responsible for the motion of the first ball. I understand that the tension does not remain constant and therefore the force on block 1 is variable.

On block 2 tension and gravity are acting. I think that the time it would take to hit the table would depend upon the angular acceleration. angular acceleration would further depend upon the angle between the non horizontal part and the vertical.I am not able to manipulate these ideas into equations. Please help!.

I have posted the picture in the next post.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org