- #1
Patta1667
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Homework Statement
Blocks of mass M1 and m2 (as shown in attachment) are connected by a system of frictionless pulleys by massless strings. What is the acceleration of M1?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Let T1 be the tension in the first (higher) string, and T2 be the tension in the second string. Then the total force on block M1 (assuming it falls) is [tex] F_{M_1} = M_1 g - T_1 = M_1 a [/tex] and the force on block M2 is [tex] F_{M_2} = T_2 - M_2 g = M_2 a [/tex]. THe blocks should have the same acceleration (one up, one down of course) so the relavent equations may be set equal to each other and solved for [tex] T_1 [/tex] as a function of [tex] T_2 [/tex] with no accelerations involved. Unfortunately I get stuck here, as I cannot see the relationship between the tensions and how to eliminate them in the acceleration of the block [tex] M_1 [/tex]. Any help?