Why do both Block A and B have a zero acceleration in this scenario?

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario involving three blocks attached by strings and pulleys, with two blocks having the same weight and coefficient of kinetic friction. It is mentioned that the block C has a constant speed, leading to the conclusion that it has zero acceleration. The question is raised about why blocks A and B also have zero acceleration, and it is explained that because they are attached to C by strings, they will be equally far from C and thus not accelerate. The concept of a train with connected coaches is used to further explain this idea.
  • #1
mamadou
24
1
1. Homework Statement
3 blocks A,B and C are attached between them by massless and frictionless strings , that passes through frictionless , massless pullies , the blocks A and B have the same weight 25 N and the same coefficient of kinetic friction 0.35 , the bloc C goes down with a constant speed .

Using Newton's 2nd law we get : [tex] a_{C} = 0 [/tex] because the speed is constant ,

what I can't figure out is why in the correction they said that : [tex] a_{B} = 0[/tex] and [tex] a_{A} = 0 [/tex]
why both of block A and B have ALSO a zero acceleration , how do we know that ?

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  • #2
They are attached by a string to C, meaning that they cannot get further from C. But because they would slide to the other side, they cannot get closer to C. Thus, they will be equally far from C. This means that they don't accelerate.
 
  • #3
why being equally far from C means that they don't accelerate , they could be equally far but their speed is increasing so accelerating .
 
  • #4
mamadou said:
they could be equally far but their speed is increasing so accelerating
But you know that c isn't acclerating. So it goes with a constant velocity (v) at any time. But B and A have to have the same velocity at any time, because as you said:
mamadou said:
being equally far from C.
So A and B have to have v at any time. But v is constant => no acceleration
 
  • #5
does it means that A and B have the same velocity as C ?
 
  • #6
yes. do you understand why?
 
  • #7
truthly no , because there is also friction that acts on A and B , so how could they have the same velocity ?
 
  • #8
okay. so:
if you have a train, with coaches connected to each other with "ropes", all coaches have the same velocity, right?
 
  • #9
A and B cannot be slower because the rope is inextensible, right?
 
  • #10
yes ,sure .
 
  • #11
okay, let's do this in private convreastion. i sent you messages
 
  • #12
Replusz said:
okay, let's do this in private convreastion. i sent you messages
Be aware that Physics Forum rules don't allow homework related technical discussions to be moved to private messages. The purpose of the forums is to allow others to benefit from and contribute to the discussion.
 
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Related to Why do both Block A and B have a zero acceleration in this scenario?

What is the acceleration of 3 masses?

The acceleration of 3 masses is the rate of change of their velocity over time. In other words, it is how quickly the velocities of the masses are changing.

How is the acceleration of 3 masses calculated?

The acceleration of 3 masses can be calculated by dividing the net force acting on the masses by the total mass of the system. This is known as Newton's second law of motion: F=ma.

What factors affect the acceleration of 3 masses?

The acceleration of 3 masses is affected by the net force acting on the system, the total mass of the system, and the direction of the force relative to the direction of motion of the masses.

How does the acceleration of 3 masses differ from the acceleration of a single mass?

The acceleration of 3 masses takes into account the interactions between the masses, whereas the acceleration of a single mass only considers the force acting on that specific mass.

Can the acceleration of 3 masses ever be negative?

Yes, the acceleration of 3 masses can be negative if the net force acting on the system is in the opposite direction of the motion of the masses. This can happen if there is a force of friction or if the masses are traveling in a circular path.

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