Accelerating Masses: Solving for Acceleration using m1, m2, and g"

  • Thread starter Thread starter Priyadarshini
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Accelerating
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on deriving the formula for acceleration in a system involving two masses, m1 and m2, under the influence of gravity (g). The correct formula for acceleration is established as a = (m2g) / (m1 + m2). Participants analyze the forces acting on each mass, including tension and gravitational force, to confirm this formula. There is a distinction made between horizontal and vertical acceleration, emphasizing the need for clarity in the context of the problem. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the derivation of the formula to ensure accurate application in physics problems.
Priyadarshini
Messages
191
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement



WP_20160129_22_41_47_Pro.jpg

Homework Equations


a= (m2g)/(m1+m2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Which is option 4.
But the answer doesn't match
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Show how you got your answer.
 
Doc Al said:
Show how you got your answer.
The formula for acceleration here is:
m2g/(m1+m2)
So shouldn't that be the answer?
 
Priyadarshini said:
The formula for acceleration here is:
m2g/(m1+m2)
Why do you think that is the formula? How did you derive that?
 
Doc Al said:
Why do you think that is the formula? How did you derive that?
For m1:
T=m1a
the normal reaction force in the upwards direction = m1g
For m2:
m2g-T=m2a
so,
m2g-m1a=m2a
m2g=m1a+m2a
so acceleration = m2g/(m1+m2)
 
Priyadarshini said:
For m1:
T=m1a
Note that the acceleration here is the horizontal acceleration.

Priyadarshini said:
the normal reaction force in the upwards direction = m1g
For m2:
m2g-T=m2a
Here the acceleration is the vertical acceleration. (What must that equal?)
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Accelerating pulleys (3 pulleys and 3 masses)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Find the acceleration of the system (2 blocks sliding on a table)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
What if check: Am I calculating tension wrong?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Vertical spring connected between two bodies with a rope above them
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Calculating tensions and acceleration
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Angular Acceleration and Linear Acceleration of a Pulley
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Mechanics: Two masses on a pulley causing two cylinders to accelerate
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Why did I get two different results for the mass m2?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Acceleration of rising mass and tension in cord
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
Newton's Second Law (Pulley Sustem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K