Block on a smooth wedge (wedge on smooth floor):
When a block slides on a wedge that is free to move, both accelerate. The constraint is that the block stays on the wedge surface.
Analysis method:
- Let wedge acceleration = A (horizontal), block acceleration along wedge = a
- In ground frame, block has both A (horizontal from wedge) and a (along incline)
- FBD of block: mg down, N perpendicular to wedge surface
- FBD of wedge: Mg down, N from block, N' from floor
- Constraint: block's acceleration perpendicular to wedge surface = wedge's component perpendicular to surface
Result for smooth surfaces: A = mg*sin(theta)*cos) a = (M+m)gsin)