What is Wedge: Definition and 278 Discussions

A wedge is a triangular shaped tool, and is a portable inclined plane, and one of the six simple machines. It can be used to separate two objects or portions of an object, lift up an object, or hold an object in place. It functions by converting a force applied to its blunt end into forces perpendicular (normal) to its inclined surfaces. The mechanical advantage of a wedge is given by the ratio of the length of its slope to its width. Although a short wedge with a wide angle may do a job faster, it requires more force than a long wedge with a narrow angle.
The force is applied on a flat, broad surface. This energy is transported to the pointy, sharp end of the wedge, hence the force is transported.
The wedge simply transports energy and collects it to the pointy end, consequently breaking the item. In this way, much pressure is put on a thin area.

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  1. B

    Solve Homework: Find Acceleration & Reaction Force of Wedge

    Homework Statement A wedge of mass 4kg and angle 30 degrees is at rest on a smooth horizontal table. a mass of 1kg is placed on the smooth inclined face of the wedge and a horizontal force of 10N is applied to towards the vertical face of the wedge. Show that the acceleration of the wedge is...
  2. B

    Dynamics: Moving wedge with mass on it

    Homework Statement Small block of mass "m" rests on sloping side of triangular block of mass "M" which itself rests on table. Assuming all surfaces are frictionless, determine force "F" that must be applied to "M" so that "m" remains fixed. Wedge incline is "THETA" Homework Equations The...
  3. S

    Help needed - Equation of a wedge shaped plane

    Help needed - Equation of a wedge shaped plane! Hi All, I need some help to derive a formula to describe a plane. This I know already but this has all four sides with a different gradient. Is there a formula I can use which I apply the X (lenght) any Y (width) coordinates and it will...
  4. C

    How Do Tensor and Wedge Products Relate in Differential Geometry?

    Ok, one more diff geometry question! I need to show the following: Show that if Cij are components of an antisymmetric tensor then C_{ij}dx^i\otimes dx^j corresponds to the 2-form C_{ij}dx^i\wedge dx^j. Now, I know that the wedge product is anti symmetric, and that it can be expressed in...
  5. A

    Proving Wedge Product Property for Alternating Tensors

    This has to do with the wedge product ^ on alternating tensors. I can't seem to prove w ^ n = (-1)^kl * n ^ w. where w is a k alternating tensor and n is an l alternating tensor. I know w ^ n = (k+l)!/(k! l!) * Alt(w x n) where x is the tensor product. Now, Alt(wxn) (v_1,...,v_k+l) =...
  6. D

    Equilibrium Wedge Problem: Solving for Force Exerted on Plates by Resting Ball

    A steel ball of mass 1.7kg (16.66N) rests in the V shaped wedge (25 degrees) formed by two steel plates. Find the magnitude of the force exerted on each plate by the ball if the friction between the ball and the plates is not significant. I really don't know where to start here, or exactly...
  7. K

    How Do You Solve the Block on Wedge Problem with a Moving Wedge?

    Hi, A block of mass 'm' slides on a wedge of mass M. The wedge also moves on a smooth frictionless surface. Find the acceleration of the wedge. I have written down the equations of motion for the wedge and the block but don't know how to proceed further as there are more variables than...
  8. G

    Finding Acceleration of Wedge & Mass via Newton's Laws

    Problem: "A smooth wedge of mass M has a triangular cross section with a side inclined at an angle theta to the horizontal base. The wedge can slide without friction along a horizontal support. Placed on the side of the wedge is a mass m that can slide with no friction along the side. Find...
  9. MathematicalPhysicist

    A pulley and a wedge questions.

    from the attachment, i need to answer question 2.15c and 2.16. here is what i did with the questions: in the first question i got the next set of equations, which apparently are incorrect cause i didnt get the answer from the book: T-uM1g=M1a uM2g-T=M2a M3g-T'=M3a' T'=2T 2a'=a wher...
  10. C

    What is the relationship between wedge product and cross product?

    What's the difference between a wedge product and a cross product?
  11. V

    Why Is the Fringe at the Narrow End of a Wedge Always Dark?

    For a solid wedge of material of length L and maximum width D (ie, a triangle) how would one obtain an equation for /\x, the distance between dark fringes? For wedge fringes, how come the fringe at the narrow end is always dark?
  12. I

    Finding Velocity and Height of Wedge After Block Release

    A small block of mass .5kg is released form rest at the top of a curved-shaped frictionless wedge of mass 3 kg , which sits on a frictionless horizontal surfces. When the block leaves the wedge, its velocity is 4 m/s to the right. Find the velocity of the wedge after the block reaches the...
  13. I

    What is the height of the wedge?

    A small block of mass .5kg is released form rest at the top of a curved-shaped frictionless wedge of mass 3 kg , which sits on a frictionless horizontal surfces. When the block leaves the wedge, its velocity is 4 m/s to the right. Find the velocity of the wedge after the block reaches the...
  14. P

    Evaluating Volume of Curved Wedge Cut from Cylinder

    Trying to do this question: 'Evaluate the volume of the following solids... A curved wedge that is cut from a cylinder of radius 3m by two planes. One plane is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. The other plane crosses the first plane at 45 degree angle at the centre of the cylinder.'...
  15. U

    Calculate Radius of Wire in Air Wedge Formed by Glass Plates

    An air wedge is formed between two glass plates separated at one edge by a ver fine wire. When the wedge is illumindated from above by 688 nm light, 29 dark fringes are observed. Calculate the radius of the wire. Show answer in micro meters I have tried many different things with this...
  16. R

    Block and Wedge (all frictionless)

    I searched for this problem and could not find satisfactory information or information that applied to my specific concerns. The wedge of mass M is resting on a horizontal surface. A block of mass m is placed on the wedge and the whole system is released from rest. There is no friction...
  17. C

    Physical Optics : Air Wedge - Interference

    Hi there, I was doing some past year paper of my coming exam...and I got the answers for the question too, but one part I'm totally blur and can't understand that well... well here goes all the questions and solution: http://server3.uploadit.org/files/chickens-phyQ.jpg...
  18. C

    Good old wedge and block sliding problem

    The problem is as follows. We know the angle of the wedge to the horizontal. Let's say its a given. We don't know the mass of the wedge or the mass of the block. The planes are frictionless. The mass rests on a "frictionless table". There is a force pushing the entire system. The...
  19. D

    Calculating Normal Force on Block on Wedge

    A block of mass m is placed on a wedge. The wedge is pushed along a horizontal surface with accelertation a, so that the block stays in place on the wedge, even though there is no friction between the block and the wedge. The normal force acting on the block during the acceleration is equal to...
  20. G

    Frictionless Equilibrium of Block and Wedge System

    Hello, I am new member here. I would like to know how should I handle this question: A block of mass 2.5kg rests on the rough surface of a wedge, which in turn rests on a rough horizontal floor. What is the frictional force exerted by the floor on the wedge if the whole system is at rest...
  21. D

    Deriving Velocity of Wedge Before Block Hits Ground

    simple question: a movable block on a movable wedge on some frictionless ground. we know all masses, angles, and there is no friction. the block starts on the wedge at some height h, and slides down the wedge. the block moves forwards, and the wedge moves backwards. what is the velocity of the...
  22. G

    Problem on block sliding on a wedge

    Consider a block of mass 'm' kept on the hypotenuse of a right triangular wedge of mass 'M'. Calculate the accelaration of the wedge and the block. Hence find the force that should be applied to 'M' so that 'm' does not move?
  23. T

    Transforming a Wedge into an Angular Sector

    Okay, I'm having trouble understanding the following: Given a region of a circular wedge with endpoints a and b, the mapping z_{1}=\frac{z-a}{z-b} transforms this wedge into an angular sector. Then, by an appropriate power \alpha, the map w = z_{1}^\alpha maps the angular sector onto a half...
  24. H

    Rotating Wedge & Rise of Mass: Speed Calculation

    the sloping side is frictionless, it is spun at constant speed by rotating the wedge. show that when a mass rises up the wedge a distance L, the speed of the mass is v=sqr(gLsin0) I got Fx=m(v^2/r) = mgsin0 v^2=g*sin0*r can I say r=L ? I got stuck, could you give me some hints thank you
  25. ?

    Solving a Geometry Problem: Area of a Circle with a Wedge

    i made a pretty picture but i can't get it to upload :frown: oh well...i'll try to explain it a circle of radius 3cm is inside a circle of radius 8cm (in the middle). On top of these two circles is a wedge (i think...it's like a triangle except curved at the end to fit the edge of the...
  26. H

    Friction-less wedge physics problem

    A 2.0-kg body rests on a frictionless wedge that has an inclination of 65.0° and an acceleration a to the right such that the mass remains stationary relative to the wedge. Find a This is one of the question i had to do for HW. Not really asking for an answer but it would be great if you...
  27. H

    2.0-kg body rests on a frictionless wedge

    A 2.0-kg body rests on a frictionless wedge that has an inclination of 65.0° and an acceleration a to the right such that the mass remains stationary relative to the wedge. Find a This is one of the question i had to do for HW. Not really asking for an answer but it would be great if you...
  28. M

    Calculating Velocity and Height in a Wedge Experiment

    I think this may be correct I just need a second set of eyes on it to look it over. Thanks in advance. The question is: A small block of mass m1 =0.500kg is released from rest at the top of a curve shaped frictionless wedge of mass m2=3.00kg, which sits on a frictionless horizontal...
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