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Block A in the figure weighs 1.01 N, and Block B weighs 3.80 N. The coefficient

ID: 1319566 • Letter: B

Question

Block A in the figure weighs 1.01 N, and Block B weighs 3.80 N. The coefficient of kinetic friction between all surfaces is 0.26.

Find the magnitude of the horizontal force F necessary to drag block B to the left at a constant speed if A and B are connected by a light, flexible cord passing around a fixed, frictionless pully.

I created the following force diagram:

Based on the above force diagram I got the following equation for the force F

However, the answer was incorrect. Would someone please be able to explain to me where I went wrong and how to correct my answer? Thank you.

Explanation / Answer

Net force on A = 0

T - mue*mA*g = 0

T = mue*mA*g

net force on B = 0

-F + T + mue*mA*g + mue*(mA+mB)*g = 0

F = T + mue*mA*g + mue*(mA+mB)*g

= mue*mA*g + mue*mA*g + mue*(mA+mB)*g


= 2*mue*mA*g + mue*(mA+mB)*g

= 2*mue*WA + mue*(wA+wB)

= 2*0.26*1.01 + 0.26*(1.01+3.8)

= 1.78 N