Problem on block sliding on a wedge

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of acceleration and force for a block of mass 'm' placed on a right triangular wedge of mass 'M'. It is determined that the interaction force between the block and the wedge is the normal component of the block's weight, which is equal to mgcosα, where α is the lower angle of the wedge. The horizontal force between the wedge and the block is calculated as Nsenα = mgcosαsenα. The wedge receives a force equal to this, causing it to move with an acceleration of a = (m/M)gcosαsenα. The conversation also raises the question of whether there is friction involved, and concludes by stating that more information is needed to determine if the
  • #1
gauravkukreja
8
0
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?
 
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  • #2
is there no friction?
in this case the interaction force between the block and the wedge is the normal vincular reaction, that is equal to the normal compnent of the block weight that is:
[tex]N=mg\cos\alpha[/tex]
where alpha is the lower angle of the wedge. So the horizontal force between the wedge and the block is
[tex]F=Nsen\alpha=mg\cos\alpha\, sen\alpha[/tex]
Considering the wedge it receives a force equal to F so it moves with an acceleration equal to
[tex]a=\frac{F}{M}=\frac{m}{M}g\cos\alpha\, sen\alpha[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
For the second question I don´t understand if m must not move respect a fix coordinate or respect to the wedge...
 

Related to Problem on block sliding on a wedge

What is the problem on block sliding on a wedge?

The problem on block sliding on a wedge is a classic physics problem that involves a block sliding down a frictionless wedge with an angle of inclination. The goal is to determine the acceleration of the block and the normal force exerted by the wedge on the block.

What are the key variables in this problem?

The key variables in this problem include the mass of the block, the angle of inclination of the wedge, the coefficient of friction between the block and the wedge, and the acceleration of gravity.

How do you calculate the acceleration of the block?

The acceleration of the block can be calculated using the following formula: a = gsinθ / (1 + μcosθ), where g is the acceleration of gravity, θ is the angle of inclination of the wedge, and μ is the coefficient of friction between the block and the wedge.

What is the relationship between the angle of inclination and the acceleration?

The angle of inclination and the acceleration have an inverse relationship. As the angle of inclination increases, the acceleration decreases. This is because a steeper incline creates a greater component of the gravitational force acting against the motion of the block.

How does the coefficient of friction affect the normal force?

The coefficient of friction has a direct effect on the normal force. As the coefficient of friction increases, the normal force also increases. This is because a higher coefficient of friction means there is more resistance to the motion of the block, requiring a greater normal force to maintain equilibrium.

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