Having trouble with Pulleys and FBD's(not homework)

[Stevo11]

So up until now I have understood physics but we're on Pulleys now and the Free body diagrams are baffling me.... My teacher just manages to pull formulae from his behinde and I can't seem to figure out how he derives them... like for acceleration of two objects suspended vertically from a pulley etc....

I dont really know how to explain the root of my issue here but if anyone has a good link to pulleys and FBD's I would be very greatful as I have looked lol.


*yes I realize I just spelled Home work wrong, sorry its been a long day

[Doc Al]

Here's a link analyzing Atwood's machine, one of the standard pulley arrangements: Atwood's Machine (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/atwd.html#c1).

My recommendation is to read your text and try to solve the problems there. When you get stuck, post the problem and your work in the Intro Physics section and someone will be able to give you specific help.

[Stevo11]

ok thanks a lot, I did read the text book lol, but that link did help me a lot with two objects suspended from a pulley both vertically :smile: