Question

Block A has a weight of 8 lb. and block B has a weight of 6 lb. They rest on a surface for which the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.2 . If the spring between them has a stiffness of k=20 lb/ft, and it is compressed 0.2 ft, determine the acceleration of each block just after they are released.

Answer 1

Answer:

For block A, a = 9.66 ft/s²

For block B, a = 15 ft/s²

Explanation:

A free body diagram for this force system is attached to this solution

Mass of block A = m₁ = 8 lb

Mass of block B = m₂ = 6 lb

Coefficient of kinetic friction = μ

Normal reaction on the blocks = N

Spring stiffness of the spring btw block A and B = k = 20 lb/ft

Compression of the spring = 0.2 ft

Analysing Block A first

The forces on block A include, the weight, normal reaction, frictional force and the elastic force due to the spring

Sum of forces in the y-direction = 0

So, the weight of the block = Normal reaction of the surface on the block

N = W = 8 lb

Sum of forces in the x-direction = maₓ

(k × x) - (μ × N) = maₓ

m = W/g = 8/32.2 = 0.248 lbm

(20×0.2) - (0.2 × 8) = (0.248) aₓ

aₓ = 9.66 ft/s²

The forces on block B include, the weight, normal reaction, frictional force and the elastic force due to the spring

Sum of forces in the y-direction = 0

So, the weight of the block = Normal reaction of the surface on the block

N = W = 6 lb

Sum of forces in the x-direction = maₓ

(k × x) - (μ × N) = maₓ

m = W/g = 6/32.2 = 0.186 lbm

(20×0.2) - (0.2 × 6) = (0.186) aₓ

aₓ = 15 ft/s²