Physics 250

Homework 3

Due September 26 (hard deadline, since I'll need to post the solutions almost immediately in time for
Midterm 1). Note there are five (5) total required problems. 3 reproduced from Giancoli, one from Katz,
and one Custom problem.

In addition to what each problem asks, I am also requiring you to draw the free-body diagrams (FBDs)
for each object in each problem (example: In problems Giancoli 5-32, and Katz 6-53 make sure to draw a
FBD for each box separately, in problem 47 draw FBDs for the two different situations each vehicle is in,
identifying all the forces acting on the objects. Examples Katz 5.9, 6.1, 6.8, and 6.9 will give you good
guide how to draw these, as well as how to solve the problems, including considerations for Newton's
Third Law.

Make sure to always justify your answer by beginning with Newton's second law/force balances. Do not
short-cut the problems. Yes, that means even the banking angle equation must be re-derived.

Borrowed from Giancoli, and reproduced below:

Chapter 5

Problems 32, 47, 58

32. A 4.0-kg block is stacked on top of a 12.0kg block, which is accelerating along a horizontal table at
a=5.2m/s2 (Fig. 5-20)/ Let k=s=. (a) What minimum coefficient of friction  between the two blocks
will prevent the 4.0-kg block from sliding off? (b) If  is only half this minimum value, what is the
acceleration of the 4.0-kg block with respect to the table, and (c) with respect to the 12.0-kg block? (d)
What is the force that must be applied to the 12.0-kg block in (a) and in (b), assuming that the table is
frictionless?

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47. A jet pilot takes his aircraft in a vertical loop (Fig. 5-43). (a) If the jet is moving at a speed of 1200
km/h at the lowest point of the loop, determine the minimum radius of the circle so that the centripetal
acceleration at the lowest point does not exceed 6.0 g's. (b) Calculate the 78-kg pilot's effective weight
(the force with which the seat pushed on him) at the bottom of the circle, and (c) at the top of the circle
(assume the same speed).

(note that this problem differentiates between the centripetal acceleration and the "apparent weight"
considerations for the pilot).
(It is suggested you read and understand example Katz 6.9 for this problem).

58. If a curve with a radius of 85m is properly banked for a car traveling 65km/h, what must be the
coefficient of static friction for a car not to skid when traveling at 95km/h.

(if confused what "proper banking" means, check Example Katz 6.8. Note, I am requiring you to show
the steps re-deriving the equation, not just copy the example's derived formula).

Required book problems from Katz:

Chapter 6

Problem 53.

Required custom problems:

CP1: Three masses, with friction (see diagram on next page)

Blocks A, B, and C (with masses mA, mB, and mC respectively) are connected by massless strings AB and
BC, as depicted in the diagram below, with block A on a surface inclined at angle , and block B on a
level surface, both surfaces with coefficient of kinetic friction k. Block C is attached to string BC. Derive
an expression for their common acceleration a in terms of mA, mB, and mC, k, , and g.

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 Mass B

FT,AB
Mass A
Acceleration a of
FT,BC Mass C

Mass C

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Additional practice problems (not graded) from previous semesters:

Atwood's machine with additional mass.

Two masses (m1 and m2) are hanging from a cord, threaded through a massless pulley (similar to figure
4-46, p 108). The pulley is hanging from the ceiling by cord C.

In addition, an additional third mass (m3) is hung from mass 1 by an additional cord.

a. Derive an expression for the acceleration of mass 1 in terms of m1, m2, m3, and g. Make sure to start
with the FBD for each of the three masses plus the pulley, and then start from first principles.

b. If m1=1.0kg, m2=3.0kg, and m3=7.0kg, calculate the tension in cord C (the one from the ceiling).

c. Re-derive the acceleration, and the tension in cord C if mass 3 is instead hung from mass 2. You may
start from first principles, or you may use symmetry arguments to compare with parts a and b.

As a warm up to this problem, it is recommended you practice on Example 4-13, and problem 54 of
Giasncoli.

For practice, the old Giancoli books are still available in the STEM Center.