What is the mass of the bottom weight in this pulley system?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of an unknown weight in a pulley system involving a 3kg weight. The system moves 81.6 cm in 2.55779 seconds under the influence of gravity (9.8 m/s²) with frictionless surfaces. Participants emphasize using kinematics equations to determine the acceleration of the 3kg weight and applying Newton's 2nd law to find the force of tension, which is equal for both weights. The correct mass of the unknown weight can be derived from these principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's 2nd Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with kinematics equations
  • Basic knowledge of pulley systems
  • Concept of tension in a string
NEXT STEPS
  • Study kinematics equations for uniformly accelerated motion
  • Explore Newton's 2nd Law applications in various systems
  • Learn about the dynamics of pulley systems
  • Investigate the concept of tension in different mechanical contexts
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Students in physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding dynamics and forces in pulley systems.

bignasty
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The system is a 3kg weight on a table top attached to a string leading to a pulley at the end of the table. Attached to the string straight down is a weight with an unknown mass:


( )--------------- 3kg
l
l
l
l
? kg

Question:
The system shown is released from rest and moves 81.6 cm in 2.55779 seconds. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8m/s^2. What it the mass in kg of the bottom weight. All surfaces are frictionless.

Please, if someone could explain the process to me, or perhaps even provide the correct answer so I can work backwards, it would be greatly appreciated, or perhaps even
 
Last edited:
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any ideas??
heres a hint: The force of tension on the 3kg weight equals the force of tension on the unknown mass.
Use kinematics equations to find the acceleration of the 3kg weight, then use Newton's 2nd law to find the force of tension.

Both boxes will have the same magnitude of acceleration.
 
Thanks

Thanks for the tip, I finally got it!
 

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