What Is the Acceleration of a Block on a Frictionless Table?

In summary, a 10.4 kg block attached to a horizontal ideal string over an ideal pulley is connected to another identical 10.4 kg block that hangs freely. The acceleration of the block on the table can be determined by drawing free body diagrams for each block, identifying the forces, and applying Newton's laws. The weight of each block is 101.92 N and the acceleration should be stated as a positive quantity.
  • #1
joelgrind
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Homework Statement


A 10.4 kg block sits on a frictionless horizontal table. The block is attached to a horizontal ideal string that goes over an ideal pulley and is connected to another identical 10.4 kg block that hangs freely. What is the acceleration of the block on the table? State the acceleration as a positive quantity.


Homework Equations


[tex]\sum[/tex]F = ma



The Attempt at a Solution


The weight of each block is 101.92 N. I'm not sure if assuming the horizontal table is 90 degrees to the ground is of any significance.
 
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  • #2


The horizontal table is parallel to the ground. One block moves along the table, and the other hangs freely and falls vertically. Draw free body diagrams of each block, identify the forces acting in each block, then apply Newton's laws to each. Solve the 2 resulting equations for T and a.
 

FAQ: What Is the Acceleration of a Block on a Frictionless Table?

What is the formula for calculating the acceleration of a block on a table?

The formula for calculating the acceleration of a block on a table is a = F/m, where a is the acceleration, F is the net force acting on the block, and m is the mass of the block.

How does the angle of the table affect the acceleration of the block?

The angle of the table does not affect the acceleration of the block as long as the surface is flat and frictionless. The acceleration only depends on the net force and mass of the block.

What is the role of friction in the acceleration of a block on a table?

Friction acts as a resistive force that opposes the motion of the block. It decreases the overall acceleration of the block and can even cause it to come to a stop if the force of friction is greater than the net force.

Can the acceleration of a block on a table be negative?

Yes, the acceleration of a block on a table can be negative. This would indicate that the block is slowing down or changing direction, as the negative sign indicates a decrease in velocity.

How can we measure the acceleration of a block on a table in an experiment?

To measure the acceleration of a block on a table in an experiment, we can use a motion sensor or a timer to track the block's position over time. By analyzing the change in position, we can calculate the block's acceleration and compare it to the predicted value based on the net force and mass.

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