Which block will strike first? Left or right?

In summary: Also, the surface is frictionless?In summary, the left block will reach the edge of the table first due to the net force on the system.
  • #1
Qmechanic18
2
1
1.
sAMIP.png

A block of Mass 'm' is connected to another block of Mass '2m' through a weightless pulley by a
weightless inextensible thread of length 2l. The left block(mass=2m) rests on a table at
a distance l from its edge, while the right
block is kept at the same level so that the
thread is unstretched and does not sag, and
then released.

What will happen first: will the left
block reach the edge of the table (and touch
the pulley) or the right block hit the table?

3. Solution Attempt:

This question was in SS Krotov but with equal masses and was solved easily by observing the direction of net force on the system but when I tried to solve the question for unequal masses I was not able to reach any result.

If the masses had been equal then the left block would strike first as the net force on the system is towards the right and at the initial moment the centre of mass of the bodies is on the pulley so the net force towards the right will shift the Centre of Mass to the right and left block will have to reach the pulley first.
But if the left block has mass 2M then the cenCen of Mass is not on the pulley and nothing can be said by reasoning... also on making equations I was getting unable to solve as the I had got non-integrable functions
 

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  • #2
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Can you show us your FBDs and the equation work you have done so far? Also, the surface is frictionless?
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Can you show us your FBDs and the equation work you have done so far? Also, the surface is frictionless?
Yes all surfaces are frictionless
 
  • #4
Qmechanic18 said:
Yes all surfaces are frictionless
berkeman said:
Can you show us your FBDs and the equation work you have done so far?
 

What is the experiment trying to determine?

The experiment is trying to determine which block, the left or right one, will strike the surface first when dropped from the same height and at the same time.

What factors can affect the outcome of the experiment?

Factors that can affect the outcome of the experiment include the weight and shape of the blocks, air resistance, and the surface the blocks are dropped onto.

What is the importance of conducting this experiment?

This experiment can help us understand the concept of gravity and how it affects falling objects. It can also demonstrate the principles of motion and acceleration.

What is the procedure for conducting this experiment?

The procedure involves setting up two identical blocks, one on the left and one on the right, at the same height. Then, releasing both blocks at the same time and observing which one strikes the surface first.

What are the potential sources of error in this experiment?

Potential sources of error include human error in releasing the blocks at the exact same time, variations in the weight or shape of the blocks, and external factors such as air resistance or wind.

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