2 blocks on top of each other, applied force, friction, and tension

In summary, the problem involves a 4.32 kg block placed on top of a 9.16 kg block with a horizontal force of 66.6 N applied to the bottom block and the top block tied to the wall. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.169 and the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. The tension in the string is equal to the kinetic friction, which is 7.155 N.
  • #1
TFOrange
3
0

Homework Statement


A 4.32 kg block is placed on top of a 9.16 kg
block. A horizontal force of F = 66.6 N is
applied to the 9.16 kg block, and the 4.32 kg
block is tied to the wall. The coefficient of
kinetic friction between all moving surfaces
is 0.169. There is friction both between the
masses and between the 9.16 kg block and the
ground.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.
Determine Tension of string in N

(see image)

Homework Equations


ƩF = ma
fs = μk*FN


The Attempt at a Solution


(see attachment for free body diagrams)
ƩF = ma
m = 4.32 kg
atop block = 0
ƩF = Fapplied - fk - T
0 = (44.274) - (7.155) - T
T = 44.274 - 7.155
T = 37.119

Apparently I did something wrong somewhere, but I'm not sure where.
 

Attachments

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  • #2
What forces act on the upper block? (I don't understand your FBDs.)
 
  • #3
Well maybe it isn't supposed to be there, but I was thinking that since the bottom block has a force in that direction that is not completely canceled out by friction, it would cause the top block to have a force as well, which is equal to Fapplied (to the bottom block) - fk
 
  • #4
TFOrange said:
Well maybe it isn't supposed to be there, but I was thinking that since the bottom block has a force in that direction that is not completely canceled out by friction, it would cause the top block to have a force as well, which is equal to Fapplied (to the bottom block) - fk
That applied force acts on the bottom block, not on the top block. So it doesn't belong in your analysis of the top block. The only influence that the bottom block exerts on the top block is through the normal force and friction.
 
  • #5
Oh! so T = f
and so it's T = 7.155
Thanks!
 
  • #6
TFOrange said:
Oh! so T = f
and so it's T = 7.155
Yep!
 

Related to 2 blocks on top of each other, applied force, friction, and tension

What is the relationship between the applied force and the acceleration of the blocks?

The applied force and the acceleration of the blocks are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the applied force increases, the acceleration also increases.

How does friction affect the motion of the blocks?

Friction is a force that resists motion between two surfaces in contact. In the case of two blocks on top of each other, friction can either help or hinder the motion. If there is enough friction between the blocks, it can prevent the top block from sliding off the bottom block. However, if there is too much friction, it can make it difficult for the top block to move at all.

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that prevents two surfaces from sliding past each other when there is no motion. Kinetic friction, on the other hand, is the force that opposes the motion between two surfaces that are already in motion. In the case of the blocks, static friction is what keeps the top block from sliding off the bottom block, while kinetic friction is what causes the blocks to slide against each other once the top block is in motion.

What is tension and how does it relate to the blocks?

Tension is a pulling force that occurs when a string, rope, or cable is stretched. In the case of the blocks, tension is the force that is exerted by the string connecting the two blocks. This tension force helps to keep the blocks together and prevents them from separating.

How do the weight of the blocks affect the overall system?

The weight of the blocks, also known as their mass, affects the overall system in two ways. First, it determines how much force is needed to move the blocks. The heavier the blocks, the more force is needed to accelerate them. Secondly, the weight of the blocks also determines the amount of downward force exerted on the bottom block, which can affect the friction and tension forces between the two blocks.

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