To find the acceleration of the bottom block, we need to consider the forces acting on it.
First, let's analyze the forces acting on the top block:
- The force applied to the top block is 120 N.
- The force of friction between the top block and the slab opposes the applied force.
The force of friction can be calculated using the equation:
force of friction = coefficient of friction * normal force
The normal force acting on the top block is equal to its weight, which is given by:
normal force = mass * gravity
The frictional force acting on the top block can now be calculated:
force of friction (top block) = coefficient of friction * normal force (top block)
Next, let's consider the forces acting on the bottom block:
- The gravitational force acting on the bottom block is equal to its weight.
- The force of friction between the bottom block and the slab opposes the gravitational force.
The force of friction can be calculated using the same equation as before:
force of friction (bottom block) = coefficient of friction * normal force (bottom block)
The normal force acting on the bottom block is equal to the total weight of both blocks:
normal force (bottom block) = (mass of top block + mass of bottom block) * gravity
The net force acting on the bottom block is the difference between the gravitational force and the force of friction:
net force (bottom block) = (mass of top block + mass of bottom block) * gravity - force of friction (bottom block)
Finally, we can calculate the acceleration of the bottom block using Newton's second law:
net force (bottom block) = mass (bottom block) * acceleration
Rearranging the equation and substituting the known values, we can solve for acceleration (a):
acceleration (a) = net force (bottom block) / mass (bottom block)
By following this process and substituting the given values, you can find the acceleration of the bottom block.