What Is the Acceleration of Two Blocks in a Frictional System?

In summary, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time and can be calculated using the formula a = (vf - vi) / t. To find acceleration in a given scenario, you need to know the object's initial and final velocities, as well as the time interval. It can be negative, indicating a decrease in velocity, or positive, indicating an increase in velocity. There is a difference between average acceleration, calculated over a period of time, and instantaneous acceleration, calculated at a specific moment. Acceleration is also related to other kinematic quantities, such as velocity and displacement, through a set of equations known as the equations of motion.
  • #1
natalydj83
2
0
hw Problem:
A block of mass 1 kg rests on a tabletop with coeficient of kinetic frictionequal to 0.3. The block is conected by a string which passes over a frictionless pulley to a second block of mass 2kg which hangs vertically from the string. The acceleration of the two block is...?

mass(1)=1kg
mass(2)=2kg
uk=0.3(coeficient)
Fr(friction)=uk*Fn(normal force)

My solution:
(x)F=ma

box 1
component (x)=Ft(force tension)-Ffr(friction)=ma
component (y)=Fn(normal force)-mg(weight)=m(a=0)
Fn=mg
Fn=1kg*9.8=9.8N

component (x)=Ft-uk*Fn=ma
component (x)=Ft=ma-uk*Fn
Ft=ma-0.3*9.8=ma-2.94
Ft1=ma-2.94N

Box 2
component (y)=mg-Ft=ma
mg-ma=Ft

Now: Ft1=Ft2
m(1)a-2.94=m(2)g-m(2)a
a=(m(2)g+2.94)/m1+m2

a=(2*(9.8)+2.94)/2+1=7.51m/s^2

IS THIS SOLUTION RIGHT? If not please indicate where i made a mistake
 
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  • #2
On box 1 you made a mistake, Ft-uk*Fn=ma then you went to Ft=ma-uk*Fn. It should be Ft=ma+uk*Fn.
 
  • #3
natalydj83 said:
hw Problem:
A block of mass 1 kg rests on a tabletop with coeficient of kinetic frictionequal to 0.3. The block is conected by a string which passes over a frictionless pulley to a second block of mass 2kg which hangs vertically from the string. The acceleration of the two block is...?

mass(1)=1kg
mass(2)=2kg
uk=0.3(coeficient)
Fr(friction)=uk*Fn(normal force)

My solution:
(x)F=ma

box 1
component (x)=Ft(force tension)-Ffr(friction)=ma
component (y)=Fn(normal force)-mg(weight)=m(a=0)
Fn=mg
Fn=1kg*9.8=9.8N

component (x)=Ft-uk*Fn=ma
component (x)=Ft=ma-uk*Fn
Ft=ma-0.3*9.8=ma-2.94
Ft1=ma-2.94N

Box 2
component (y)=mg-Ft=ma
mg-ma=Ft

Now: Ft1=Ft2
m(1)a-2.94=m(2)g-m(2)a
a=(m(2)g+2.94)/m1+m2

a=(2*(9.8)+2.94)/2+1=7.51m/s^2

IS THIS SOLUTION RIGHT? If not please indicate where i made a mistake

The net force is F=2*9.8+0.3*9.8=22.54 N. The net mass is m=2+1=3kg. So the acceleration is a=F/m = 22.54/3=7.5 m/s^2. Thus your answer is correct
 

Related to What Is the Acceleration of Two Blocks in a Frictional System?

1. What is acceleration and how is it calculated?

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity over time. It can be calculated using the formula a = (vf - vi) / t, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

2. How do I find acceleration in a given scenario?

To find acceleration in a given scenario, you will need to know the object's initial and final velocities, as well as the time interval. Plug these values into the formula a = (vf - vi) / t and solve for a. Make sure to use consistent units for all values.

3. Can acceleration be negative?

Yes, acceleration can be negative. This indicates that the object is slowing down, or its velocity is decreasing over time. Positive acceleration indicates that the object is speeding up, or its velocity is increasing over time.

4. What is the difference between average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is calculated over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. Average acceleration takes into account the change in velocity over the entire time interval, while instantaneous acceleration only considers the change in velocity at a specific point.

5. How does acceleration relate to other kinematic quantities?

Acceleration is related to other kinematic quantities such as velocity and displacement through a set of equations known as the equations of motion. These equations describe the relationships between these quantities and can be used to solve for unknown values in a given scenario.

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