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Laws of Motion
Pseudo Force and Accelerated Frames
1 question from 1 paper, each with its answer.
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- of Laws of Motion
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Concepts tested
- Normal reaction on block on accelerated wedge
All Questions
2004 AIPMT 1 question
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A block of mass m is placed on a smooth wedge of inclination $\theta$. The whole system is accelerated horizontally so that the block does not slip on the wedge. The force exerted by the wedge on the block (g is acceleration due to gravity) will be :-The wedge is smooth, so the only force it exerts on the block is the normal reaction N, perpendicular to the inclined surface.
Forces on the block: weight mg vertically downward and normal reaction N at angle $\theta$ to the vertical.
The block does not slip, so it moves with the wedge with a purely horizontal acceleration a. Its vertical acceleration is zero.
Vertical balance: $N\cos\theta = mg$
$\Rightarrow N = \dfrac{mg}{\cos\theta}$
(Horizontal: $N\sin\theta = ma$, which gives the required acceleration $a = g\tan\theta$.)
So the force exerted by the wedge on the block is $\dfrac{mg}{\cos\theta}$.