Question 1: Mass M1 = 4 kg rests on top of mass M2 = 5 kg that rests

on a frictionless table. The coefficient of friction between the two blocks is

such that the blocks just start to slip when the horizontal force F applied to
the lower block is 27 N. Suppose that now a horizontal force is applied to
the upper block. What is its maximum value for the blocks to slide without
slipping relative to each other?

Solution
Question 2: A block rests on a wedge inclined at angle Θ. The coefficient
of friction between the block and plane is µ. The wedge is given horizontal
acceleration a. Assuming that tan Θ > µ, find the minimum acceleration
amin for the block to remain on the wedge without sliding.

Solution

The block’s horizontal acceleration is given by:

ΣFx = m amin
m amin = N sin Θ − f cos Θ
m amin = N (sin Θ − µ cos Θ)
Vertical acceleration = 0

ΣFy = 0
f sin Θ + N cos Θ − mg = 0
µN sin Θ + N cos Θ = mg
mg
N=
µ sin Θ + cos Θ
So
(sin Θ − µ cos Θ)
amin = g
(µ sin Θ + cos Θ)
tan Θ − µ
amin = g
1 + µ tan Θ
Question 3: A uniform rope of mass m and length l is attached to a block
of mass M . The rope is pulled with force F . Find the tension at distance x
from the end of the rope. Neglect gravity.

Solution
Question 4: The gravitational force on a body located at distance R from
the center of a uniform spherical mass is due solely to the mass lying at
distance r ≤ R, measured from the center of the sphere. This mass exerts a
force as if it were a point mass at the origin. Use the above result to show
that if you drill a hole through the Earth and then fall in, you will execute
simple harmonic motion about the Earth’s center. Find the time it takes you
to return to your point of departure and show that this is the time needed
for a satellite to circle the Earth in a low orbit with r ∼ Re . In deriving
this result, treat the Earth as a uniformly dense sphere, neglect friction, and
neglect any effects due to the Earths rotation.

Solution:
Question 5: Find the frequency of oscillation of mass m suspended by two
springs having constants k1 and k2 , in each of the configurations shown.

Solution: