Re: [Phys-l] October Physics Challenge

[Carl Mungan <mungan@usna.edu>]

> It might be helpful to know if the ratio of masses is greater or less
> than the ratio
> of static and kinetic coefficients of friction.

Ho ho, you're very insightful! That key piece of info does indeed 
arise. We are told that M>m (and physics requires mu_k <= mu_s). But 
we also told to consider ALL cases. So please go ahead and suppose 
that mu_k/mu_s <= m/M, which is indeed required if the heavy block is 
to slip on the ribbon while the light block does not. -Carl
--
Carl E Mungan, Assoc Prof of Physics  410-293-6680 (O) -3729 (F)
Naval Academy Stop 9c, 572C Holloway Rd, Annapolis MD 21402-1363
mailto:mungan@usna.edu     http://usna.edu/Users/physics/mungan/