Physics AP1: Forces
Forces Review/Tutorial
1. Two masses, m and 2m are connected by a spring with a spring constant k, which
are connected to a third mass, 6m, by a massless string wound over a
frictionless pulley as shown.
Give all answers in terms of m, k, and g.
a. If the pulley is locked so that the system does not move, determine the
amount of stretch of the spring, x.
The pulley is now free to rotate and the system accelerates.
b. Draw a free body diagram showing all of the forces acting on the three
masses.
c. Determine the acceleration of the system.
d. Determine the new stretch of the spring.
e. Determine the tension in the string.
f. Determine the total weight supported by the pulley.
2. A box of mass m is dragged across a rough surface with coefficient of kinetic
friction μ with a force F at an angle θ as shown.
Give all answers in terms of m, F, g, θ, and μ.
a. Draw a free body diagram showing all of the forces acting on the box.
b. Determine the force of friction on the box.
c. Determine the acceleration of the box.
d. Determine the value of F in order for the box to move at a constant speed.
3. A box of mass m slides down an incline as shown.
Give all answers in terms of m, g, θ, and μ.
a. Draw a free body diagram showing all of the forces acting on the box.
b. Determine the acceleration of the box.
c. Determine the value of μ required for the box to slide at a constant speed.
d. Is it possible for the frictional force to be greater than the gravitational
force down the incline? Explain.