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Solving problems is an essential part of the understanding process.

Questions and their answers are presented here in the module text format as if it were an extension of the treatment of the topic. The idea is to provide a verbose explanation, detailing the application of theory. Solution presented is, therefore, treated as the part of the understanding process – not merely a Q/A session. The emphasis is to enforce ideas and concepts, which can not be completely absorbed unless they are put to real time situation.

Representative problems and their solutions

We discuss problems, which highlight certain aspects of the study leading to the Free body diagram (FBD). The questions are categorized in terms of the characterizing features of the subject matter :

  • Vertically Staked blocks
  • Block, string and pulley
  • Block, spring and incline
  • Hinged rod
  • Rod and spherical shell

Vertically staked blocks

Problem : Draw free body diagram of three blocks placed one over other as shown in the figure.

Vertically staked blocks

Three blocks of different masses are placed one over other on a horizontal surface.

Solution : We start drawing FBD of the topmost block as we do no need to consider normal force due to an overlying body as the case with other blocks.

Forces on the blocks

The forces on the individual elements of the system are shown.

The forces on the block “C” are :

  • W C = m C g = its weight, acting downward
  • N B = normal reaction on “C” due to the upper surface of block B, acting upward

The forces on the block “B” are :

  • W B = m B g = its weight, acting downward
  • N B = normal reaction on “B” due to the lower surface of block C, acting downward
  • N A = normal reaction on “B” due to the upper surface of block A, acting upward

The forces on the block “A” are :

  • W A = m A g = its weight, acting downward
  • N A = normal reaction on “A” due to the lower surface of block B, acting downward
  • N O = normal reaction on “A” due to horizontal surface, acting upward

The FBD of the blocks as points with external forces are shown here. Note that motion is not involved. Hence, no information about acceleration is given in the drawing.

Free body diagram

The elements are shown as point with forces.

We have deliberately not shown the coordinate system which may be selected, keeping in mind the inputs available. In this instant case, however, a vertical axis is clearly the only choice.

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Block, string and pulley

Problem : Three blocks are connected with the help of two “mass-less” strings and a “mass-less” pulley as shown in the figure. If there is no friction involved and strings are taught, then draw free body diagram of each of the blocks.

Three blocks connected with two strings

Three blocks are connected through two "mass-less" strings and one "mass-less" pulley.

Solution : Since there are two separate strings. Tensions in two strings are different. We see here that block -1 has no attachment to its left. Hence, it would involve minimum numbers of forces. Thus, we start from block -1.

Forces on the blocks

The forces on the individual elements of the system are shown.

Questions & Answers

what is biology
Hajah Reply
the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments
AI-Robot
what is biology
Victoria Reply
HOW CAN MAN ORGAN FUNCTION
Alfred Reply
the diagram of the digestive system
Assiatu Reply
allimentary cannel
Ogenrwot
How does twins formed
William Reply
They formed in two ways first when one sperm and one egg are splited by mitosis or two sperm and two eggs join together
Oluwatobi
what is genetics
Josephine Reply
Genetics is the study of heredity
Misack
how does twins formed?
Misack
What is manual
Hassan Reply
discuss biological phenomenon and provide pieces of evidence to show that it was responsible for the formation of eukaryotic organelles
Joseph Reply
what is biology
Yousuf Reply
the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environment.
Wine
discuss the biological phenomenon and provide pieces of evidence to show that it was responsible for the formation of eukaryotic organelles in an essay form
Joseph Reply
what is the blood cells
Shaker Reply
list any five characteristics of the blood cells
Shaker
lack electricity and its more savely than electronic microscope because its naturally by using of light
Abdullahi Reply
advantage of electronic microscope is easily and clearly while disadvantage is dangerous because its electronic. advantage of light microscope is savely and naturally by sun while disadvantage is not easily,means its not sharp and not clear
Abdullahi
cell theory state that every organisms composed of one or more cell,cell is the basic unit of life
Abdullahi
is like gone fail us
DENG
cells is the basic structure and functions of all living things
Ramadan
What is classification
ISCONT Reply
is organisms that are similar into groups called tara
Yamosa
in what situation (s) would be the use of a scanning electron microscope be ideal and why?
Kenna Reply
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is ideal for situations requiring high-resolution imaging of surfaces. It is commonly used in materials science, biology, and geology to examine the topography and composition of samples at a nanoscale level. SEM is particularly useful for studying fine details,
Hilary
cell is the building block of life.
Condoleezza Reply
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Source:  OpenStax, Physics for k-12. OpenStax CNX. Sep 07, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10322/1.175
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