SOLUTION: Two weights connected by a cable are on two different incline planes. If the left weight is 100 pounds and an incline of 30 degrees and the right weigh is 85 pounds and an incline

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Question 1154888: Two weights connected by a cable are on two different incline planes. If the left weight is 100 pounds and an incline of 30 degrees and the right weigh is 85 pounds and an incline of 45 degrees. Which way would the weights slide?
Answer by ikleyn(52890) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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For each mass, calculate the corresponding shear force, directed along the incline; then compare them.


For the left mass, the shear force is 100*sin(30°) = 100%2A%281%2F2%29 = 50.0 pounds.


For the right mass, the shear force is 85*sin(45°) = 85%2Asqrt%282%29%2F2 = 60.10 pounds.


For the right mass, the shear force is greater; hence, WHAT ?

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On incline planes, you may learn the subject and the terminology from this Wikipedia article
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inclined_plane

or from many other good sources in the Internet. The key word is "incline plane" in GOOGLE searching machine.