A block weighting 400kg rests on a horizontal surface and support on top of it another block of weight 100kg placed on the top of it as shown. The block w2 is attached to avertical wall by a string 6m long. If the coefficient of friction between all surface is 0.25 and the system is in equilibrium find the magnitude of the horizontal force applied to the lower block

The horizontal force applied to the block is approximately 1,420.84 N

The known parameters;

The mass of the block, w₁ = 400 kg

The orientation of the surface on which the block rest, w₁ = Horizontal

The mass of the block placed on top of the 400 kg block, w₂ = 100 kg

The length of the string to which the block w₂ is attached, l = 6 m

The coefficient of friction between the surface, μ = 0.25

The state of the system of blocks and applied force = Equilibrium

Strategy;

Calculate the forces acting on the blocks and string

The weight of the block, W₁ = 400 kg × 9.81 m/s² = 3,924 N

The weight of the block, W₂ = 100 kg × 9.81 m/s² = 981 N

Let T represent the tension in the string

The upward force from the string = T × sin(θ)

sin(θ) = √(6² - 5²)/6

Therefore;

The upward force from the string = T×√(6² - 5²)/6

The frictional force = (W₂ - The upward force from the string) × μ

The frictional force, = (981 - T×√(6² - 5²)/6) × 0.25

The tension in the string, T = × cos(θ)

∴ T = (981 - T×√(6² - 5²)/6) × 0.25 × 5/6

Solving, we get;

The frictional force on the block W₂, ≈ 219.92 N

Therefore;

The force acting the block w₁, due to w₂ = 219.92/0.25 ≈ 879.68

The total normal force acting on the ground, N = W₁ +

The frictional force from the ground, = N×μ + = P

Where;

P = The horizontal force applied to the block

P = (W₁ + ) × μ +

Therefore;

P = (3,924 + 879.68) × 0.25 + 219.92 ≈ 1,420.84

The horizontal force applied to the block, P ≈ 1,420.84 N

Learn more about friction force here;

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