A clasic mechanics problom with a moving table

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a classic mechanics problem involving a frictionless table with a cube of mass M=70 kg and two additional masses m1=1 kg and m2=4 kg. The user attempts to calculate the displacement of the cube M when mass m2 descends from a height of H=1.5 m. The user’s initial calculations yield a displacement formula of d=h*m1/M, which contradicts the book's solution of d=h*m1/(m1+m2+M). Key mistakes identified include incorrect assumptions about the acceleration relationships and the dynamics of the pulley system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (T=m*a)
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations for displacement (h=(a*t^2)/2)
  • Familiarity with the concept of center of mass in mechanics
  • Basic principles of pulley systems and tension in strings
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the displacement formula in systems with multiple masses
  • Learn about the dynamics of non-fixed pulleys and their impact on acceleration
  • Explore the concept of center of mass and its conservation in mechanical systems
  • Review examples of similar mechanics problems involving frictionless surfaces and connected masses
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Students studying classical mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in solving complex problems involving multiple masses and pulley systems.

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Homework Statement



"On a horizontal table without friction it's a cube of mass M=70 kg and on the cube it's a body of mass m1=1kg. The body m1 it's conected by a cord with an other body of mass m2=4 kg, situated at height H=1,5 m above the table. The sistem starts from 0 velocity. What it's the displacement of the cube M by the time when the body m2 touches the table(fig. 1.5.13)?(there is no friction)"

I attached the figure.

Homework Equations



T=m1*a1
T=M*a
G2-T=m2*a2 (G is weight)
a1=a2

The Attempt at a Solution



M*a=m1*a1

h=(a1*t^2)/2
d=(a*t^2)/2
h/d=a1/a=M/m1

d=h*m1/M
But at solutions in the book says d=h*m1/(m1+m2+M).

So, can someone explain me my mistake? And also I'll be very happy if someone can give me a tip for solving the problem using the momentum.
 

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anachin6000 said:

Homework Statement



"On a horizontal table without friction it's a cube of mass M=70 kg and on the cube it's a body of mass m1=1kg. The body m1 it's conected by a cord with an other body of mass m2=4 kg, situated at height H=1,5 m above the table. The sistem starts from 0 velocity. What it's the displacement of the cube M by the time when the body m2 touches the table(fig. 1.5.13)?(there is no friction)"

I attached the figure.

Homework Equations



T=m1*a1
T=M*a
G2-T=m2*a2 (G is weight)
a1=a2

The Attempt at a Solution



M*a=m1*a1

h=(a1*t^2)/2
d=(a*t^2)/2
h/d=a1/a=M/m1

d=h*m1/M
But at solutions in the book says d=h*m1/(m1+m2+M).

So, can someone explain me my mistake? And also I'll be very happy if someone can give me a tip for solving the problem using the momentum.

I would first note that one is apparently supposed to assume that the 4 kg mass (m2) slides down the side of cube M on massless, frictionless rails and does not sway to the side like a pendulum as cube M is pushed to one side by the force of the pulley.

What is the velocity (in the horizontal direction) of the center of mass of all three masses taken together prior to the start of the problem? What is this velocity after the end? Does this velocity change during the problem?

What does this say about the position of the center of mass during the problem?
 
Thank you!
 
Two mistakes.

T=M*a isn't right because the string sways

a1=a2 isn't right either because the pulley is not fixed.
 

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