Answer to Question #149448 in Physics for Thea

Question

The block of mass m2 in the figure has been adjusted so that the block of mass
m1 is on the verge of sliding. (a) If m1 = 7 kg and m2 = 5 kg , what is the
coefficient of static friction between the table and the block? (b) With a slight
nudge, the blocks move with acceleration of magnitude a. Find a if the
coefficient of kinetic friction between the table and the block is μk = 0.54

Answer 1

a)

$$\mu m_1g=m_2g\\7\mu =5\\\mu=0.71$$

b)

$$(m_1+m_2)a=m_2g-\mu_km_1 g\\(7+5)a=9.8(5-7(0.54))\\a=1.0\frac{m}{s^2}$$