Answer:
(a) 5.0 kg
(b) 10 kg
Explanation:
Draw a free body diagram for each block. Â There are 4 forces on block A:
Weight force mAg pulling down,
Normal force N pushing up,
Tension force T pulling right,
and friction force Nμ pushing left.
There are 2 forces on block B:
Weight force mBg pulling down,
and tension force T pulling up.
Whether the system is just starting to move, or moving at constant speed, the acceleration is 0.
Sum of forces on B in the -y direction:
∑F = ma
mBg − T = 0
mBg = T
Sum of forces on A in the +y direction:
∑F = ma
N − mAg = 0
N = mAg
Sum of forces on A in the +x direction:
∑F = ma
T − Nμ = 0
T = Nμ
Substitute:
mBg = mAg μ
mA = mB / μ
(a) When the system is just starting to move, μ = 0.40.
mA = 2.0 kg / 0.40
mA = 5.0 kg
(b) When the system is moving at constant speed, μ = 0.20.
mA = 2.0 kg / 0.20
mA = 10 kg