Two blocks are connected by a string, as shown in the figure. They are released from rest. Find the speed after they have moved a distance x.μ is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the upper block and the surface. Assume that the pulley is massless and frictionless.
From the previous chapter we know that blocks will accelerate. Acquire a certain velocity after moving a certain distance.
Let's draw free body drawing of each block and apply the work energy theorem.
Block m1 moves x meters to its right and acquires a velocity v
WN+WT+Wfr+Wgr=ΔK.E.
N.xcos90∘+Txcos0∘+μm1gxcos108∘+m1gcos90∘=12m1v2−12m1o2
T−μm1gx=12m1v2 -------------------(1)
m2gx−Tx=12m2v2 ----------------------------(2)
(1)+(2) ⇒m2gx−μm1gx=12v2(m1+m2)
⇒v=√2gx(m2−μm1)m1+m2