Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsNewton's Laws of Motion
A small block B is positioned on another block A of mass 5 kg and length 20 cm . Initially, block B is situated near the right end of block A , as shown in the figure. A constant horizontal force of 10 N is applied to block A . Assuming all surfaces to be frictionless, calculate the time elapsed before block B separates from block A .
Options
- A0.45 s
- B0.20 s
- C0.32 s
- D0.63 s
Correct answer
A. 0.45 s
Step-by-step solution
Since all surfaces are frictionless, there is no horizontal force acting on block B . Therefore, the acceleration of block B is zero ( a_B = 0 ). The horizontal force F = 10 N acts only on block A . The acceleration of block A is given by: a_A = F m_A = 10 5 = 2 m/s ^2 The relative acceleration of block B with respect to block A is: a_ rel = |a_B - a_A| = |0 - 2| = 2 m/s ^2 Block B is initially at the right end of block A . To separate from block A , it must cover a relative distance equal to the length of block A