Why Do Different Methods Yield Different Accelerations in This Friction Problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a friction problem involving two boxes and their respective accelerations. Participants are analyzing the forces acting on the boxes and the discrepancies in their calculated accelerations based on different approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the problem using two different methods to calculate acceleration, leading to different results. Some participants question the assumptions made regarding the forces acting on the boxes and suggest drawing free body diagrams (FBDs) for clarity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in the discussion, with some providing guidance on checking calculations and addressing potential errors in the original poster's approach. There is an exploration of different interpretations of the forces involved, but no consensus has been reached on a single correct method.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the original solution's calculations, and participants are discussing the implications of different friction forces on the boxes. The original poster expresses confusion about the varying results from their approaches.

x86
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Homework Statement


Selection_017.png


Homework Equations


F=ma
Ff = N u

The Attempt at a Solution


Pretty much, I did the same thing in the solution.

For box A:
N = mg
Ffs = mg*uk = 9.81*20*.4=78.48N

I note that Ffs > 60 N, so the boxes will move with the same acceleration

Now there are two ways I can approach this problem, each gives me a different answer??

1) Take two boxes as the same system, then Fx = 70*a = 60 ==> a = 0.857 m/s^2
2) Look at the FBD of box 2, note that Fx = 50*a = 60 ==> a = 1.2 m/s^2

However, both of these answers are different than the solution.

Where did I mess up (and why do 1 &2 give different solutions?)
 
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Solution messed up the math, although equation is correct. . When you look at the lower Block , you did not properly address the force acting on the lower block. It isn't 60. Draw an FBD.
 
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Check for errata. Looks like they did 60 = 70a --> a = 70/60, which is wrong.
 
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PhanthomJay said:
Solution messed up the math, although equation is correct. . When you look at the lower Block , you did not properly address the force acting on the lower block. It isn't 60. Draw an FBD.

Isn't this the FBD? Ffs on the top block is -60N, and since its an action-reaction pair it should be +60N on the 50kg blockEDIT: Actually, now that I think about it, the friction on the bottom/top block should be different, because its making the top block accelerate.

So the I have more equations to solve:

20a = -Ff + 60
50a = Ff

20a = -50a + 60
70a = 60
a = 60/70

Thank you everyone for your help
 
Last edited:

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