I really don’t understand how to do this question I keep getting the wrong acceleration
Explanations (2)
Student Explanation
May 18, 2025
Hi EfficientEagle2708! 😊
It is a pretty tricky problem. From what I can see of the steps that you wrote, I think you misunderstood the friction and the two blocks.
F = ma, that means that you need to add up all the weights. Where it gets tricky is when we need to add up all the forces.
For the 10 KG block, you need to think about the gravity (which you did).
For the two other blocks, even if they both add to the weight and are considered to go in the same direction (cable), the force generated by these two is negative. Because they are both pulled by the cable, they will go in different directions, which will cause friction.
With those forces added up, plus the total weight, you should be able to find the right acceleration.
If you still think something is wrong, feel free to ask! 😎
https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/physics/the-force-of-friction-p1018
Student Explanation
May 18, 2025
Hi EfficientEagle2708! 😊
It is a pretty tricky problem. From what I can see of the steps that you wrote, I think you misunderstood the friction and the two blocks.
F = ma, that means that you need to add up all the weights. Where it gets tricky is when we need to add up all the forces.
For the 10 KG block, you need to think about the gravity (which you did).
For the two other blocks, even if they both add to the weight and are considered to go in the same direction (cable), the force generated by these two is negative. Because they are both pulled by the cable, they will go in different directions, which will cause friction.
With those forces added up, plus the total weight, you should be able to find the right acceleration.
If you still think something is wrong, feel free to ask! 😎
https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/physics/the-force-of-friction-p1018
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