A wedge with mass rests on a frictionless horizontal table top. A block with mas

Question

A wedge with mass rests on a frictionless horizontal table top. A block with mass is placed on the wedge (the figure (a)). There is no friction between the block and the wedge. The system is released from rest.

(a)Calculate the acceleration of the wedge.

I understand the the numbers in the numerator, but not the msin^2(alpha) in the denominator. According to another post I found, there is a psuedo force, ma, acting on the block. If you could explain where that force comes from, that would be great.

(b)Calculate the horizontal component of the acceleration of the block.

Given the existance of the psuedo force, I may be able to derive this, but I would still much appreciate a step-by-step breakdown.

(c)Calculate the vertical component of the acceleration of the block.

Same as the last. Might be able to derive it, but a step-by-step solution would certainly help.

Thanks so much for the replies.

Explanation / Answer

First of all: the forces that act between M and m are negligibly small compared to the gravitational force of earth.
Further more... if you want to include those forces, you need to know the distance between their centre of mass, which is not given.
The formula needed to calculate this force is
F = G * ((M * m)/r

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.