# Is this the correct approach to find acceleration of the wedge?

Consider a block sliding without friction on a wedge as in the following picture:

Given the height of the block of mass $m$ as a function $h(t)$ of time $t$ with initial height $h(0) = h_0$, is the following method to determine the acceleration of wedge $M$ correct?

Using conservation of energy, the initial potential energy of the block is equal to the final kinetic energy plus potential energy after a time $t$: $$mgh_0=\frac{1}{2}m(v_1\cos(30^\circ)-v_2)^2+\frac{1}{2}M(v_2)^2+\frac{1}{2}m(v_1\sin(30^\circ))^2 +mgh(t),\tag{1}$$ where $v_1$ is the velocity of the block in frame of the wedge and $v_2$ is the velocity of the wedge w.r.t ground. Using conservation of momentum in the frame where the ground is at rest, we also have $$m(v_1\cos(30^\circ)-v_2)=Mv_2\tag{2}.$$

The second equation looks perfectly fine to me as it just momentum conservation. However, the first equation might be incorrect. I applied this technique to solve this problem, which asks for the acceleration of the wedge if the block's height varies as $h(t) = 1.5\ \mathrm{m} + 1.5\frac{\mathrm{m}}{\mathrm{s}^2} t^2$. I solved for $v_2(t)$ from the two equations and then differentiated it to get the final result. The answer I get using this technique (putting $M=m=1$ as the result is independent of mass) is $3 \mathrm{ms^{-2}}$. However, the correct result should have been $\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \mathrm{ms^{-2}}$. I'm certain that there is no trivial calculation error. I've checked it several times.

So, why is equation (1) not applicable in this case?

• Here is a duplicate? physics.stackexchange.com/q/277412/104696 – Farcher Apr 17 '17 at 11:01
• @Farcher That one doesn't really help. I still don't see the error in my method. – user139621 Apr 17 '17 at 11:59
• As I understand the site "homework" policy, "Check my work" questions are off topic. The chatrooms are a better place to ask such questions - as you have done. – sammy gerbil Apr 17 '17 at 21:02
• @sammygerbil I see a big difference between a typical check-my-work question that goes "is this answer right?" and this question, which has identified where in the reasoning process the error has occurred but not why the asker's reasoning is mistaken. We can discuss further in Physics Chat or on Physics Meta if you like. – rob Apr 18 '17 at 17:34
• @rob Yes, let us discuss in the Physics Meta chatroom. – sammy gerbil Apr 18 '17 at 23:19

As I cannot comment (min 50 reputation) I will write it as the answer, All the equations framed for conservation of energy, momentum were correct. The point where you were wrong was that you assumed the result is independent of mass. In fact the particular acceleration of block $m$ height was caused only for that set of masses. What I am trying to say is the question states that the acceleration of m is $\rm3\ m/s^2$. As you took $m=M=1$, for this set of masses the acceleration will not be $\rm3\ m/s^2$.
• Where does the question state that the acceleration of block is $3 m/s^2$ ? It doesn't. – user139621 Apr 17 '17 at 20:56
• Ok, I see! In that case are my two equations sufficient to find $dv_2/dt$ without putting any values for $m$ and $M$. I think there are too many variables. Will they all get eliminated? – user139621 Apr 17 '17 at 21:02