Newtonian Mechanics – Static Friction in a Half-Atwood Machine

frictionhomework-and-exercisesnewtonian-mechanics

Consider the following figure. Let's say we want to find the static friction force acting on each mass for the system to remain at rest.

enter image description here

$$T – F_1 = 0$$
$$m_2 g – T – F_2 = 0$$

So these are $2$ equations for $3$ unknowns. Even though the total static friction force $F_1+ F_2$ acting on the whole system of $2$ masses may be determined, it feels weird that this can not be solved for $F_1$ and $F_2$ separately. Obviously it is not the maximum values $\mu_1 N_1$ and $\mu_2 N_2$ what I want, but the actual values.

I'm guessing there is something wrong with my equation for $m_2$, since the existence of friction $F_2$ should imply the existence of a horizontal normal force $N_2$ which would accelerate $m_2$ to the right, making it impossible for the system to remain at rest. Therefore, $N_2 = 0$ and $F_2=0$ and then there are only $2$ unknowns $T$ and $F_1$.

Am I missing something here?

Best Answer

In order for static friction to exist between $m_2$ and the surface of the block, there needs to be a force acting perpendicular to the surface of the block (a normal force).

Assuming the surface of the block next to $m_2$ is exactly at an angle of 90 deg with the horizontal, then the only forces acting on $m_2$ are the vertical forces of gravity acting downward ($mg$) and the tension in the string ($T$) acting upward. Under those conditions, theoretically there is no static friction force acting on $m_2$.

On the other hand, in reality is there any such thing as an exactly vertical wall (exactly 90 deg with horizontal)?

Hope this helps.

Related Question