Acceleration of a Pulley System: 100g & 120g Masses

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics lab involving a pulley system with two different masses, specifically 100g and 120g, and seeks to determine the acceleration of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether the masses are on a ramp or hanging vertically, which affects the approach to finding acceleration. There are attempts to set up equations based on the forces acting on each mass, and questions arise about the configuration of the system.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the setup of equations for both scenarios (ramp vs. vertical). However, there is a lack of explicit consensus on the correct approach, as participants are still clarifying the conditions of the problem.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that the original poster has not shown their own work, which may affect the nature of the assistance provided. The discussion is focused on understanding the setup and assumptions rather than solving the problem directly.

chathamchick
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Okay...i did this lab where two different masses are on opposite ends of a string and hung over a pulley...how do i find the acceleration of the system if mass one is 100g and mass 2 is 120g. help! please...
 
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Is this on a ramp?

Or are both massesvertical?

--

If they are on a ramp, and m2 is hanging off the ramp:

m1 -->

Fnet = Ft - Fgx (-Ff)
m1a = Ft - FgsinX (-Fnu)

m2 --->

Fnet = m2g - Ft
m2a = m2g - Ft

Equate both (m2a + m1a) to get rid of Ft. Then you can solve for a .

---

If they are both vertical:

m1: m1a = Ft - m1g

m2: m2a = m2g - Ft

This is correct if m2 is going downwards, and m1 is forced upwards. However, the answer will be the same either way.

Once again, m1a + m2a to eliminate Ft and find a.

m1a + m2a = m2g - m1g
a = (m2g - m1g) / (m1 +m2)

After typing this, i remembered i wasn't supposed to help you, since you have not shown any of your own work. Please next time, keep that in mind.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
they are vertical...like hanging on a pole...
 
Refer to me edited post chathamchick.
 

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