Two blocks are arranged as drawn, with masses as indicated. The structure accelerates to the left as shown. The small block slides upward. The kinetic friction coefficient between the blocks is μ. The kinetic coefficient between the large block and the floor is the same μ. Find the tension F in the string.
Because the pulley is frictionless, the tension is uniform throughout the string.
There are two points of contact to consider. Point 1 is between block 1 (m) and block 2 (M). Point 2 is between block 2 and the floor. Each point has both a normal force and a friction force. Because block 1 moves upward, it feels friction f1 downward. Block 2 will feel f1 upward. As for point 2, Block 2 moves to the left. Therefore, block 2 feels friction force f2 to the right.
The...
