A box of m=2kg is being pulled by a horizontal string across the top of a second box having a mass of M=kg. The kinetic coefficient of friction between the upper box and the lower box is uk=.2. There is no friction between the lower box and the floor. The upper box moves with a constant velocity, and the lower box starts out at rest and accelerates to the left.

What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the lower box (mass M)? Answer=0.78 m/s^2

How would i go about setting this up? I know the only force acting on the lower box in the horizontal direction is the friction from the top.

Question

A box of m=2kg is being pulled by a horizontal string across the top of a second box having a mass of M=kg. The kinetic coefficient of friction between the upper box and the lower box is uk=.2. There is no friction between the lower box and the floor. The upper box moves with a constant velocity, and the lower box starts out at rest and accelerates to the left.

What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the lower box (mass M)? Answer=0.78 m/s^2

How would i go about setting this up? I know the only force acting on the lower box in the horizontal direction is the friction from the top.

anonymous · Answer

never mind...sorry