What is the acceleration of the upper block connected by a string?

In summary, to find the upper block's acceleration in this setup with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.11, you will need to create a free body diagram and apply Newton's laws for each block. Both blocks will have the same acceleration and the tension in the string will also be the same on both sides of the pulley.
  • #1
kdb004
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Homework Statement



Two blocks are connected by a string as pictured in this link below
http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1176902/2/ch05.P070.jpg

What is the upper block's acceleration if the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the table is 0.11?
I am unsure of where to start or an equation to even use. help on how to solve it would be greatly appreciated
 
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  • #2
Draw a free body diagram of each block, and identify the forces acting on each. Then use Newton's laws for each block. Note that the acceleration of both blocks must have the same magnitude, since they move together. Also note that the tension in a cord wrapped around an ideal pulley is the same on both sides of the pulley.
 

FAQ: What is the acceleration of the upper block connected by a string?

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. It describes how quickly an object is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.

How is acceleration calculated?

Acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. It can be expressed in units of meters per second squared (m/s^2) or in terms of the force applied to an object (F = ma).

What is the difference between average and instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is the overall change in velocity over a given time period. Instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time, which can vary throughout the motion of an object.

What factors affect an object's acceleration?

An object's acceleration can be affected by its mass, the force applied to it, and any external forces acting on it (such as friction or air resistance).

How does Newton's Second Law relate to acceleration?

Newtons's Second Law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (a = F/m). This means that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater its acceleration will be, and the more massive an object is, the less it will accelerate under the same force.

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