Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Friction
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Friction
Determine the accelerations a_1 , a_2 , and a_3 of the three blocks...
Determine the accelerations , , and of the three blocks illustrated in the figure when a horizontal force of is applied to the block. Take .


Options
- A, ,
- B, ,
- C, ,
- D, ,
Correct answer
C. , ,
Step-by-step solution
First, we find the maximum possible friction forces at each interface.
Between the and blocks:
f_{1,\text\max} = \mu_1 m_1 g = 0.2 \times 2 \times 10 = 4 \text{ N}
Between the and blocks:
f_{2,\text\max} = \mu_2 (m_1 + m_2) g = 0.3 \times (2 + 3) \times 10 = 15 \text{ N}
Between the block and the ground:
f_{3,\text\max} = \mu_3 (m_1 + m_2 + m_3) g = 0 \times 12 \times 10 = 0 \text{ N}
Let us assume all three blocks move together with a common acceleration .
The required friction force to keep the block moving with this acceleration is:
Since f_1 > f_{1,\text\max} (), the block will slip relative to the block. Thus, kinetic friction acts between them.
The acceleration of the block is:
Now, the friction force acts in the forward direction on the block. We check if the and blocks move together.
The maximum friction available between them is f_{2,\text\max} = 15 \text{ N}. Since the driving force on the block is only , which is less than , they will not slip relative to each other and will move together.
The common acceleration of the and blocks is:
(To verify, the friction force required between them is , which is well below the maximum limit of ).
Therefore, , , and .
Answer: , ,
Between the and blocks:
f_{1,\text\max} = \mu_1 m_1 g = 0.2 \times 2 \times 10 = 4 \text{ N}
Between the and blocks:
f_{2,\text\max} = \mu_2 (m_1 + m_2) g = 0.3 \times (2 + 3) \times 10 = 15 \text{ N}
Between the block and the ground:
f_{3,\text\max} = \mu_3 (m_1 + m_2 + m_3) g = 0 \times 12 \times 10 = 0 \text{ N}
Let us assume all three blocks move together with a common acceleration .
The required friction force to keep the block moving with this acceleration is:
Since f_1 > f_{1,\text\max} (), the block will slip relative to the block. Thus, kinetic friction acts between them.
The acceleration of the block is:
Now, the friction force acts in the forward direction on the block. We check if the and blocks move together.
The maximum friction available between them is f_{2,\text\max} = 15 \text{ N}. Since the driving force on the block is only , which is less than , they will not slip relative to each other and will move together.
The common acceleration of the and blocks is:
(To verify, the friction force required between them is , which is well below the maximum limit of ).
Therefore, , , and .
Answer: , ,