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16:42 Friction solved problems

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Area & Volumes of curves Calculating friction and pulley problems notes ▲
Physics - Acceleration
Physics - Free fall According to the second law of motion we have F=ma
Physics - Friction & pulley In the gravitational system the force acting on a mass is W = m g [kgm m / s2 ]
Physics - Rotational motion
A force of 1 Newton is equal to N = 1 [kgm m / s2 ]
Physics - Statics forces
Then if the weight is given it equals W [kgf ] = 9.8 N
Analytical geometry
Plane geometry There are two friction coefficients the static μs and the dynamic or kinetic μk
The static friction coefficient value is greater then the kinetic coefficient value ( μs > μk ), it means that
we have to employ greater force in order to start the movement of the mass, but once the mass is moving
we have to employ less force to keep it moving.
In many problems we assume that both coefficients are the same, if not we have to relate to the proper
coefficient e.g. if the bodies are moving we have to take the kinetic friction coefficient.
In many questions we have to decide the direction of the movement,
it is important because the direction of the friction force is always
opposite to the movement direction.
If we look at the figure at left the direction of the movement is to
the right as the direction of a1 the equilibrium equation will be:
ΣFx = F − m g sin θ − f = m a

and the acceleration is:

If the movement is downward as in the second figure at left then the

equilibrium equation will be:
ΣFx = m g sin θ − F − f = m a

and the acceleration is:

We can clearly see the difference of the signs and the values of the
accelerations in both direction of the chose directions.

The conclusion from this calculation is that in friction problems a negative acceleration result doesn't
mean that the acceleration is in the opposite direction but rather we have to change the direction of the
acceleration and solve again, if this time we got negative value then the mass will not move due to the
friction force, for more information see example 7, example 38.

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If mass M is moving a distance of x meter, then this distance

is divided by each cable that holds mass m and mass m is
moving a distance of x/2 meter.
The distance travelled is given by: x = v0 t + a t 2 / 2
At rest v0 = 0 and the acceleration is: a = 2 x / t2
time t of both masses M and m is the same so we can see that
the acceleration is related to the distance, if the distance is
half also the acceleration will be half so: a1 = 2 a2
For system rest we need that the acceleration will be 0.
From the equation vt = v0 + a t we get the result vt = v0

Friction example - 1 ▲
A body whose mass is m is resting on an inclined surface with an
angle of θ and a friction coefficient of μ, find the acceleration of
the mass m as a function of μ and angle θ.

From equilibrium in the x and y direction we get:

ΣFx = m g sinθ − N μ = m a (1)
ΣFy = N − m g cosθ = 0 (2)
From eq. (2) N = m g cosθ
Substitute N into eq. (1) m g sinθ − m g μ cosθ = m a
And the acceleration is: a = g( sin θ − μ cos θ)

When the system is at rest a = 0 then:

We can see that the friction coefficient for rest condition must be
equal or greater than the tangent of the slope μ > tan θ.

Friction example - 2 ▲
A body whose mass is m is resting on a horizontal surface whose
friction coefficient is μ, a force F is implied on the mass at an angle
of θ degree. Find the acceleration of mass m and the maximum
force that the mass m will still be at rest.

From the forces diagram we can derive the equilibrium equations:

ΣFx = F cos θ − Nμ = ma (1)
ΣFy = N + F sin θ − mg = 0 (2)
From eq. (2) N = mg − F sin θ
Substitute N into eq. (1) F cos θ − mgμ + Fμ sin θ = ma

Solving for a we get: (3)

For the maximum force F that can be applied so that the mass m
will still be at rest we have:
fmax = N μs = (m g − F sinθ) μs (4)

(5)

A force of 30 N is applied to a mass of 3 kg for 5 sec at an angle of

30 degree, if the static and kinetic frictions are 0.5 and 0.2
respectively. Find the acceleration and the time needed for mass m
to stop after force F is eliminated.
First check if the mass will move by the condition: fmax < F cosθ.
Because 7.2 < 25.98 the mass will move and the acceleration is
according to equation (3).

The velocity of the mass after 5 sec is found from the acceleration
aquation:
vt = v0 + a t = 0 + 7.7 * 5 = 38.5 m/s

The new free body diagram after eliminating force F is at left.

According to the second law of motion F = m a (F now is only the
friction force) and f = − m a (the minus sign is because of the
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opposite directions of a and f).
a = − f / m = − m g μk / m = −g μk = − 9.8 * 0.2 = − 1.96 m/s2
And the time until mass m will stop is according to the equation: vt
= v0 + a t where vt = 0 and v0 = 38.5 m/s
t = − v0 / a = − 38.5 / − 1.96 = 19.64 sec

Friction of two masses - example 4 ▲

Two masses are located on each other, mass m is tied to the wall
by a rope, a force F is exerted on mass M , find the acceleration of
mass M if the friction coefficients between the two masses is μ1
and μ2 between mass M and the lower surface.

Friction force f1 is: f1 = mgμ1

Friction force f2 is: f2 = (M + m)gμ2
Mass M is affected by both frictions f1 and f2 and is:
fM = f1 + f2 = mgμ1 + (M + m)gμ2
From the forces diagram we can derive the equilibrium equations
in the x direction on both masses:
On mass m: ΣFx = T1 − mgμ1 = 0 (1)
On mass M: ΣFx = F − f1 − f2 = Ma (2)

Maximum force F that can be applied to mass M without sliding is:

F <= mgμ1 + (M + m)gμ2

From eq (1) T1 can be found: T1 = mgμ1

Two masses and pulley - example 6 ▲

Find the acceleration of the system of masses neglecting the mass of
the string and the inertia of the pulley.

The kinetic friction force is equal to: f = μk N = μ k M g

From the free body diagram on mass m and M and assuming that
the acceleration is downward we get:
On mass M: ΣFx = T − M g μk = M a (1)
On mass m: ΣFy = m g − T = m a (2)
Eliminating T from both equations gives:
m g − M g μk + M a = −m a

(3)

Mass M will accelerate when m > μs M

System of the masses are at rest when m <= μs M (then a = 0)

Find the friction coefficient and the tension in the rope if M = 5 kg

and m = 1 kg the masses are moving at a constant speed.
Because the masses are moving at a constant speed it is necessary
that a = 0. from eq. (3) we have m − M μk = 0

The tension in the rope can be found by solving eq. (1) and (2) :

Two masses and pulley - example 7 ▲

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Find the acceleration of the system of masses, the masses of the

rope and the pulleys are negligible, assume first that the
acceleration of M is upward and second time that the
acceleration is downward.

The friction force is equal to: f = μ N = μ M g cosθ

From the forces diagram on mass m and M and assuming that
the acceleration is upward (Figure 1) we get:
On mass M: ΣFx = T − M g sinθ − f = M a (1)
On mass m: ΣFy = m g − T = m a (2)

(3)

Solving the case with the acceleration downward (Figure 2).

On mass M: ΣFx = M g sinθ − T − f = M a (4)
On mass m: ΣFy = T − m g = m a (5)

Figure 1 (6)

Check the case when M = 2 kg m = 1.2 kg angle θ = 30 degree

and the friction coefficient is 0.15

Because both accelerations in both directions are negative motion

is not possible in these conditions of masses, friction and slope
angle (see note 2).
Figure 2
Determine the acceleration and the motion direction if M = 4 kg
m = 2 kg angle θ = 45 degree and the friction coefficient is 0.1
M kg
m kg First check the case of upward acceleration (Figure 1).
θ deg
μ
a m/s2
Because a is negative and the present of friction we have to make
T N the calculation again assuming this time that the acceleration is
f N downward see the case of (Figure 2).

Next solution Clear input

− 0.0 + 0.00
Notice that we got a different value for the acceleration, the
Ex1 Ex2 Ex3 Ex4 Ex5
conclusion is that mass M is sliding downward.

Note 1: from eq. (3) and (6) and comparing the acceleration to zero we can derive the range of mass m

that the system will stay at rest. M(sinθ − μ cosθ) < m < M(sinθ + μ cosθ)
Note 2: to determine the direction of the motion we can solve the equilibrium equation by eliminating
the friction, once we have the direction of the motion, we can set the correct direction of the friction
force (always opposite to the motion direction) and solve the equilibrium equations. We have to
remember that if we found motion in any direction without friction, the friction force can reduce the
motion acceleration or even stope the motion.

Two masses on inclined surfaces example - 9 ▲

Find the acceleration of the system of masses neglecting the mass of the rope and the inertia of the
pulley, the frictions coefficients and the slopes are given, also find the tension in the rope.

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To determine the possible direction of the motion we will first solve the forces equations by
neglecting the frictions, the results are the conditions:
m sinβ > M sinα motion can be to the right (a)
m sinβ < M sinα motion can be to the left (b)
m sinβ = M sinα motion not possible (c)
Those conditions alone are not enough to verify if the system will move, in order to make the system
to slipe the masses have to overcome the friction forces, so the conditions for motions are.
m ( sinβ − μ2s cosβ ) > M ( sinα + μ1s cosα ) motion is to the right (d)
M ( sinα − μ1s cosα ) > m ( sinβ − μ2s cosβ ) motion is to the left (e)

From the forces diagram and assuming that the acceleration is to the right we get:

On mass M: ΣFx = T − M g sinα − M g cosα μ1k = M a (1)

On mass m: ΣFx = m g sinβ − T − m g cosβ μ2k = m a (2)

System is at rest when: m(sinβ − μ2scosβ) − M(sinα + μ1s cosα) = 0

In order to get positive tension in the rope we need that at least one of the equations will be true:
μ1s < tanα or μ2s < tanβ

Given two masses M = 40 kg and m = 20 kg,

connected with an ideal pulley, the masses
are located on two surfaces whose friction
coefficients are μ1s = μ1k = 0.15 and μ2s = μ2k
= 0.25, the slopes has angles of α = 30 deg
and β = 53 deg. Find the direction and the
value of the acceleration and the tension in
the rope which connects both masses.

M kg
First determine the possible motion direction according to criteria (a)
α deg and (b)
m kg m sinβ = 20 sin53 = 16 < M sinα = 40 sin30 = 20
β deg
The direction of the acceleration will be to the left.
μ1s
Now check criterion (c) and (d) to verify is motion occurs:
μ1k Motion equations for the case with acceleration to the left are:
μ2s
On mass M: ΣFx = M g sinα − T − M g cosα μ1k = M a (3)
μ2k
a On mass m: ΣFx = T − m g sinβ − m g cosβ μ2k = m a (4)
m/s2
T N Because we already found that the motion is to the left, we have to
check condition (d) only and we get 14.8 > 12.9 so the masses will slip
No friction move: to the left and the acceleration is:
Each mass move: M m
System move:

Notes Clear input

− 0.0 + 0.00
Ex1 Ex2 Ex3 Ex4 Ex5

Friction of two masses and pulley - example 11 ▲

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Find the acceleration and the tension in the rope of the system of masses shown (M > m), neglecting
the mass of the string and the inertia of the pulley assume that the static and kinetic friction
coefficients are equal to μ1 μ2 and the slope angle θ are known.

Notice that the two masses are moving in the opposite directions so the friction forces are:
Friction forces on mass M are: f1 = (M + m)gμ1 cosθ

Friction forces on mass m are: f2 = mgμ2 cosθ

From the forces diagram on mass m and M and assuming that the acceleration of mass M is
downward and is equal to the acceleration of mass m in the upward direction we get:
On mass m ΣFx = T − f2 − mg sinθ = ma (1)

On mass M ΣFx = Mg sinθ − f1 − f2 − T = Ma (2)

Substitute the values of f1 and f2 into eq. 1 and 2 and eliminating T from both equations we get a:

Two masses on pulley - example 12 ▲

Find the acceleration of the system of masses neglecting the mass of the rope and the inertia of the
pulley.

From the forces diagram on mass m and M and assuming that the acceleration is to the downward
direction of mass M we get:
On mass M: ΣFy = Mg − T = Ma (1)
On mass m: ΣFy = T − mg = ma (2)

Solving for the acceleration we get:

And the tensions in the cables are:

Friction of two masses and pulley - example 13 ▲

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Find the acceleration of the system of masses neglecting the mass of the rope and the inertia of the
pulley, the friction coefficient between mass M and the surface is μ.

From the forces diagram on mass m and M and assuming that the acceleration is to the downward
direction and notice that the acceleration of mass M is twice the acceleration of mass m because
when mass M is moving a length of x mass m will travel only half this distance.

Forces on mass M: ΣFx = T − Mgμ = Ma1 (1)

Forces on mass m: ΣFy = mg − T1 = ma2 (2)
From acceleration: a1 = 2a2 (3)
From the pulley: T1 = 2T (4)
We got four equations with four unknowns T T1 a1 and a2 , solving the equations we get:

The accelerations are:

The tensions are:

Two masses and two pulleys - example 14 ▲

Find the acceleration of the system of masses neglecting the mass of

the rope and the inertia of the pulleys.

Forces on pulley 1: ΣFy = 2T − Mg = Ma1 (1)

Forces on mass m: ΣFy = mg − T = ma2 (2)

Acceleration’s balance: a2 = 2a1 (3)

The relation between the accelerations can be found by measuring
the distances that the masses travels, while mass m is moving a
distance of x mass M will move a distance of x/2 so the
acceleration of M is half the acceleration of m.
Solving for a1 a2 and T we get:

And the tension in the rope is:

The tension T is uniform along the cable.

The value of T1 is: T1 = 2T

Notice that if we apply a force F downward at mass m we could

lift a mass of 2F, so this system multiplies the force by 2.

Relative motion of masses - example 16 ▲

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Find the acceleration of the system of masses neglecting the mass of

the string and the mass of the pulley.

We assume arbitrary that all three accelerations are downward

and are equal to a1 a2 and a3 . Now we can write the forces acting
on each mass as:
ΣFy on mass m1 m 1 g − T 1 = m 1 a1 (1)

ΣFy on mass m2 m 2 g − T 2 = m 2 a2 (2)

ΣFy on mass m3: m 3 g − T 2 = m 3 a3 (3)

ΣFy on pulley B: T 1 = 2 T2 (4)

We can see that we have 5 unknowns and only 4 equations so we
have to derive another equation from the accelerations, a1 is equal
to the acceleration of pulley B which should be half the
accelerations of a2 and a3 but in negative sign because when a1 is
going down pulley B is going up, but we chose the accelerations in
the downward direction.
Σ Accelerations: a1 = −(a2 + a3) / 2 (5)
a3 = − 2a1 − a2
The minus sign is because a1 is in the opposite direction to a2 and
a3. Substitute the value of T1 from eq. (4) and a3 from eq. (5) to eq.
(1) (2) and (3) to get the matrix form:

Solving by Cramer's rule we have:

D = 2 (m2m3 + m2m3) + m1(m3 + m2) = m1m2 + m1m3 + 4m2m3

m1 kg
m2 kg
m3 deg
a1 m/s2
a2 m/s2
a3 m/s2
T1 N
T2 N
Acceleration directions
m1 m2 m3

Clear input
After division of the numerator
− 0.0 + 0.00 and the denominator by m1m2m3
Ex1 Ex2 Ex3 Ex4 Ex5 we got another form for T2

If all masses are the same and equal to M then:

T2 = 2 g M / 3

Friction of two masses example - 17 ▲

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from the forces diagram we can write the equilibrium equations:

On mass m1 ΣFx = T1 = f1 = m1 g μ1 (1)

On mass m2 ΣFx = T2 − f1 − f2 = m2 a

T2 − m1 g μ1 − (m1 + m2) μ2 g = m2 a (2)

On mass m3 ΣFy = m3 g − T2 = m3 a (3)

(4)

From eq. (3) T2 can be found T2 = m3(g − a) =

Q: Given three masses m1 equal to m, mass m2 equal to 3m and m3 equal to 2m, μ1 = 0 and
masses m2 and m3 are moving at a constant velocity. Find the value of μ2, T1 and T2
S: For steady velocity we need that a = 0

From the acceleration equation (4) we have: m 3 − m1 μ 2 − m2 μ 2 = 0

Because there is no friction between surfaces of masses m1 and m2 then: T1 = 0

Because the acceleration is 0 the tension T2 in cable m3 is: T2 = m 3 g

Friction of two masses example - 21 ▲

Three masses are hanging on frictionless pulleys as shown in the figure. Find the acceleration of the
masses.

We choose arbitrary the direction of the accelerations of masses m1 and mass m2 as upward and the
acceleration of m2 downward.
From the forces diagram on the masses, we have.
On mass m1 ΣFy = T − m1 g = m1 a1 (1)
On mass m2: ΣFy = m2 g − 2T = m2 a2 (2)
On mass m3: ΣFy = T − m3 g = m3 a3 (3)

From accelerations: (4)

Note: when mass m1 is moving x1 distance upward and mass m3 a distance of x3 upward, the
contribution to the displacement of mass m2 is the sum of half of this displacements x2 = (x1 + x3) / 2
in the downward direction.
The equations with the unknowns T, a1, a2 and a3 can be solved by Cramer's rule or by direct
substitution.

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Write the equations in the matrix form

D = − m2m3 − 4m1m3 − m1m2 = − (m1m2 + m2m3 + 4m1m3)

Find the acceleration and the tension in the rope if all the masses are equal to m1 = m2 = m3 = m
T=2mg/3 a1 = − g / 3 a2 = − g / 3 a3 = − g / 3 T=2m/3

Notice that if m1 = m3 = m and m2 = 2m then the accelerations will be 0 and T = m

If the result of the acceleration is negative then the motion is opposite to that chosen.

Friction of two masses example - 24 ▲

Three masses are connected with a rope of 0 mass as shown in the
figure, a force F is apply to mass m3 , friction coefficient μ if present
between mass m1 and the surface that is tilted by θ deg. Find the
value of the force F that will keep the system at rest, if the force F is
cancelled find the acceleration of the system.

In order to determine the direction of the motion we have to analyse

the relationship of the equations:
m3 > m2 + m1 sinθ Motion is m3 down (a)
m3 < m2 + m1 sinθ Motion is m3 up (b)
m3 = m2 + m1 sinθ No motion (c)

Assume that the acceleration of mass m3 is downward then:

On mass m1 ΣFx = T1 − μ m1 g cos θ − m1 g sinθ = m1 a (1)
On mass m2 ΣFy = T2 − m2 g − T1 = m2 a (2)
On mass m3 ΣFy = m3 g + F − T2 = m3 a (3)
The same equations when the acceleration is to the left are:
On mass m1 ΣFx = m1 g sinθ − T1 − μ m1 g cosθ = m1 a (4)
On mass m2 ΣFy = m2 g + T1 − T2 = m2 a (5)
On mass m3 ΣFy = T2 − m3 g − F = m3 a (6)
We got three equations with three unknowns T1 T2 and a.
Solving eq. (1) (2) and (3) according to Cramer's rule we get:

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Solving eq. (4) (5) and (6) according to Cramer's rule we get:

The minimum force F needed to apply when a = 0, when the motion is intended to be to the left is:
F = g ( m1 sinθ + m2 − m3 ) − m1μs g cosθ
The maximum force F needed to apply when a = 0, when the motion is intended to be to the right is:
F = g ( m1 sinθ + m2 − m3 ) + m1μs g cosθ

In the case when F = 0 mass m3 that keeps the system at rest is in the range of:
m1 ( sinθ − μ cosθ ) + m2 < m3 < m1 ( sinθ + μ cosθ ) + m2

If all three masses are of the same weight M then the force F at rest should be in the range:
M g (sinθ − μs cosθ) < F < M g (sinθ + μs cosθ)

Friction of two masses example - 33 ▲

Three masses are connected to each other by ropes
of 0 mass, a force F is applied to mass m3. Find the
value of the tension in the ropes and the
acceleration of the masses if a friction coefficient of
μ exists between the masses and the surface.

From the free body diagram, the friction forces and the equilibrium equations of the masses are:

Friction forces: f1 = m1 g μ f2 = m2 g μ f3 = m3 g μ

ΣFx = T1 − m1 g μ = m1 a (1)

ΣFx = T2 − T1 − m2 g μ = m2 a (2)

ΣFx = F − T2 − m3 g μ = m3 a (3)
We got three equations with three unknowns T1 T2 and a

According to Cramer's rule the value of the coefficient’s determinant is D = − (m1 + m2 + m3)

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Another way to solve the problem is to look on the three masses as one mass equal to M = m1 + m2 + m3

From the free body diagram, we have: F−Mgμ=Ma and a is:

Once we found the acceleration a we can use eq. (1) and (2) to find T1
and T2

Friction of two masses example - 37 ▲

Two masses m1 and m2 are located on the floor the masses then connected by a pulley as shown in
the figure. Find the acceleration of the masses and the tension in the rope connecting the masses if a
force of F is apply to the pulley upward, suppose that m1 > m2.

We mark the accelerations of the masses as a1 and a2, from the free body diagram we get:
On mass m1: ΣFy = T − m1 g = m1 a1 (1)
On mass m2: ΣFy = T − m2 g = m2 a2 (2)
On the pulley: ΣFy = F = 2 T (3)
From eq. (3) we get: T=F/2

And substituting T to eq. (1) and (2) we get:

Notes: because accelerations a1 and a2 can not be negative (opposite to the direction shown)
because of the floor there are some unique cases:

Small mass m2 F < 2 m2 g The force F is not enough to lift any one
of the masses

Bigger mass m1 2 m 2 g < F < 2 m1 g The force F will lift the small mass but
not the bigger mass

2 m1 g < F The force F will lift both masses

For example, if mass m1 = 30 kg and m2 = 20 kg then find the accelerations when F = 100N, F = 400N
and F = 1000N.

F [N] a1 [m/s2] a2 [m/s2] Notes

100N 100 / 30 − 9.8 = − 6.5 100 / 20 − 9.8 = − 4.8 No lift of any mass a1 = 0 a2 = 0

200N 200 / 30 − 9.8 = − 3.1 200 / 20 − 9.8 = 0.2 Only small mass is lifted a1 = 0
1000N 400 / 30 − 9.8 = 3.5 400 / 20 − 9.8 = 10.2 Both masses move upward

Friction of two masses a force and pulley - example 38 ▲

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Mass m1 and m2 are at rest when a force F is applied at an angle of

θ degree. Find the maximum force F that the system will stay at rest
and the acceleration of the system.

The friction force acting on m1 is: f = N μ = (m1 g + F sin θ) μ.

In order to determine the possible direction of the motion we have

to check the forces acting on mass m1 without friction force.
if F cosθ > m2 g m1 moves to the left (a)

if F cosθ < m2 g m1 moves to the right (b)

After we determined the direction of the motion, we can set the
right direction of the friction force and check if there is motion
at all due to the friction force.
Let assume that the acceleration of m1 is to the left, from the free
body diagram we have
assume
On m1 F cosθ − f − T = m1 a (1)
On m2 T − m2 g = m2 a (2)
From eq. (1) and (2) we can find the values of a and T

m1 kg If we assume that the acceleration of mass m1 is to the right

m2 kg direction the equilibrium equations will be as follows:
μ On m1 T − F cosθ − f = m1 a (3)
F N On m2 m 2 g − T = m2 a (4)
θ deg
a m/s2
T N
f N

Next solution Clear input

If we get a negative value for the acceleration in both directions
− 0.0 + 0.00 then motion is not possible.
Ex1 Ex2 Ex3 Ex4 Ex5
The conditions for motion are:
If F cosθ − f > m2 g m1 moves to the left (c)

If F cosθ + f < m2 g m1 moves to the right (d)

The range of the force F that the system is at rest is when it is equal to the friction force in both directions:

the static and dynamic friction coefficient between the surface and m1 is μ = 0.4. Find the friction force
acting on m1 if the force equal 250N and θ = 30 degree and m1 = 10kg and m2 = 30 kg.

First, we check conditions (c) and (d) to verify if the masses are moving.
Condition (c) 30 * g > 250 * cos30 + (10 * g + 250 * sin30) 0.4 False

Condition (d) 30 * g < 250 * cos30 - (10 * g + 250 * sin30) 0.4 False
Because both conditions are false the system is at rest.
a) Friction force can not be calculated by the equation for f because there is no movement, f will be
calculated by the difference between force of mass m2 g and F * cosθ

f = m2 g − F * cosθ = 30 * 9.8 − 250 * cos30 = 77.5 N

b) maximum force F F = g(10*0.4 + 30) /(cos 30 - sin 30 * 0.4) = 500.3 N

c) acceleration when F = 0 a = −g(10*0.4 - 30) /(10 + 30) = 6.4 m / s2

Two masses and two pulleys example - 40 ▲

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2024. 07. 05. 16:42 Friction solved problems

Two masses m1 and m2 are connected through 2 pulleys as shown in the figure the friction of m1 and
the surface is μ. Find the accelerations and the tensions in the ropes.

In order to find the direction of the motion we will analyse the forces on the pulley by neglecting the
friction force, it is easy to see that if:
m1 sinθ > 2 m2 m1 is moving downward (a)
m1 sinθ < 2 m2 m1 is moving upward (b)
m1 sinθ = 2 m2 There will be no motion (c)
If m2 exceeds a maximum value then mass m2 will start to move down and the friction force direction
will be as shown in the free body diagram at right.

The friction force is equal to: f = N1 μ = m1 g cosθ μ

From the forces diagram on mass m1 and m2 and assuming that the acceleration is to the
downward direction of mass m2 we have.
On mass m1 ΣFx = T1 − f − m1 g sinθ = m1 a1 (1)
On mass m2: ΣFy = m2 g − T2 = m2 a2 (2)

From the accelerations: a2 = 2a1 (3)

From the pulley tension: T1 = 2T2 (4)

Solving for a1 and T2 we get:

If we solve the case that m1 accelerates downward then the forces equations will be:
On mass m1 ΣFx = m1 g sinθ − T1 − f = m1 a1 (5)

On mass m2: ΣFy = T2 − m2 g = m2 a2 (6)

Eq. (3) and (4) are the same in both cases, solving the equations we get:

The range of m2 that the system will stay at rest is (in this case the accelerations a1 are equal to 0):

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