A 60 kg block slides along the top of a 100 kg block. The lighter block has an acceleration of 3.4 m/s2 when a horizontal force F= 370 N is applied. Assuming there is no friction between the bottom 100 kg block and the horizontal frictionless surface but there is friction between the blocks. Find the acceleration of the 100 kg block during the time the 60 kg block remains in contact.

Question

A 60 kg block slides along the top of a 100 kg block.  The lighter block has an acceleration of 3.4 m/s2 when a horizontal force F= 370 N is applied.  Assuming there is no friction between the bottom 100 kg block and the horizontal frictionless surface but there is friction between the blocks.  Find the acceleration of the 100 kg block during the time the 60 kg block remains in contact.

I'm at a stand still with this problem.

Scott · Answer

f = m a to find the frictional force (ff) between the blocks ... F - ff = m a 370 - ff = 60 * 3.4 the acceleration of the larger block is its mass, divided by the frictional force

Randy · Answer

I got 0.602 but the answer is 1.66. Any idea why?