How Does Pulley Friction Affect Block Acceleration?

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics problem involving two blocks, A and B, with different weights and coefficients of kinetic friction. The goal is to determine the speed of block A at a later time, given its initial speed and the acceleration of both blocks. The conversation includes equations and attempts at solving the problem, but there is some uncertainty about the correctness of the solutions.
  • #1
unknown_2
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Homework Statement


At a given instant block A of weight 10-lb is moving downward with speed 6 ft/s. Determine its speed at a later time t = 2s. Block B has a weight 4lb and the coefficient of kinetic friction between it and the horizontal plane is μ = 0.2. Neglect the mass of the pulleys and cord.

unknown.jpg


T = 3.385 [tex]a_{A}[/tex] = 10.403 [tex]ft/s^{2}[/tex] [tex]a_{B}[/tex] = - 20.806 [tex]ft/s^{2}[/tex]

not sure if these are correct seeing i get different answers.

Homework Equations



T - [tex]\mu_{k}w_{B}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{-w_{B}}{g}a_{B}[/tex]

2T - [tex]w_{A} = (\frac{-w_{A}}{g}) (-a_{A})[/tex]

[tex]2a_{A} + a_{B} = 0[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



since [tex]2a_{A} + a_{B} = 0[/tex] i'd solve for [tex]a_{A}[/tex] and [tex]a_{B}[/tex] in the first 2 equations and sub into the third one

[tex]2(\frac{2Tg}{w_{A}} - g) + (\frac{-Tg}{w_{B}} + \mu_{k}g)[/tex] = 0

then i solve for T

[tex]\frac{2g - \mu_{k}g}{g(\frac{4}{w_{A}} - \frac{1}{w_{B}})}[/tex] = T

T= 12N

then sub back into one of the first 2 equations to solve for either [tex]a_{A}[/tex] or [tex]a_{B}[/tex].

[tex]a_{B}[/tex] = -90.16[tex]ft/s^{2}[/tex]
[tex]a_{A}[/tex] = 45.08[tex]ft/s^{2}[/tex]

any help would b nice
cheers,
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
ft/sec

lbs

m/s

m/s2

Unit potpourri is never a good recipe.
 
  • #3
LowlyPion said:
ft/sec

lbs

m/s

m/s2

Unit potpourri is never a good recipe.
it was late...i changed the units, i was just used to [tex]m/s^{2}[/tex] from previous physics courses...
 

FAQ: How Does Pulley Friction Affect Block Acceleration?

What is the relationship between force and acceleration?

The relationship between force and acceleration is described by Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This means that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater its acceleration will be, and the smaller the object's mass, the greater its acceleration will be.

How do you calculate force?

Force can be calculated using the formula F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. This formula is derived from Newton's Second Law of Motion and can be rearranged to solve for any of the variables.

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, while weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is typically measured in kilograms (kg) and is constant, while weight is measured in newtons (N) and can vary depending on the strength of gravity in a particular location.

How does friction affect force and acceleration?

Friction is a force that opposes motion and can decrease the net force acting on an object and therefore decrease its acceleration. This is because friction acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion and requires force to overcome it. The greater the friction, the greater the force needed to overcome it and the smaller the object's acceleration will be.

What is the role of air resistance in force and acceleration?

Air resistance is a type of friction that occurs when an object moves through the air. It can also decrease the net force acting on an object and therefore decrease its acceleration. This is because air resistance acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion and requires force to overcome it. The greater the air resistance, the greater the force needed to overcome it and the smaller the object's acceleration will be.

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