Accelerating motion with a pulley

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the dynamics of two bodies connected by a rope over a pulley, focusing on their motion and the forces involved. It emphasizes the importance of three assumptions: the inextensibility of the rope, and the masslessness of both the pulley and the rope, which simplify the analysis. Participants highlight the need to draw free body diagrams (FBDs) for each mass to clarify the forces acting on them. A key point raised is that while the rope transmits the same tension, differing masses lead to different accelerations. The conversation concludes with the original poster expressing gratitude for resolving their confusion regarding the problem.
House
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Let's suppose we have a body A with mass M that can move on a horizontal frictionless ground. Now we connect that with another body B, mass m, with the help of a rope. The body B can move vertically and the rope is curved with a pulley. Now we set the body B free to move.
What's the relationship of the motion of the two bodies? Is there a same force (tensionA = weightB or a same acceleration?
 
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The usual approach to this sort of problem involves three assumptions:
1) the rope is inextensible (it does not stretch)
2) the pulley is massless
3) the rope is massless
None of these is ever strictly true, but they significantly simplify the problem. Are you willing to live with these assumptions, or if not, what do you wish to assume instead about these two matter?
 
House said:
tensionA = weightB
If the tension would be equal to the weight of B, then B wouldn't start falling.
 
Dr.D said:
The usual approach to this sort of problem involves three assumptions:
1) the rope is inextensible (it does not stretch)
2) the pulley is massless
3) the rope is massless
None of these is ever strictly true, but they significantly simplify the problem. Are you willing to live with these assumptions, or if not, what do you wish to assume instead about these two matter?

Absolutely, I just forgot to mention them.
 
You need to draw FBDs for each body, and do not assume that T = Wb. Also, look at the kinematic constraint imposed by the inextensible cord.
 
Okay, so a professor of mine told me that the rope carries the same force from B to A. But same force means different acceleretion if the masses are different. If this is true how can different parts of the rope have different acceleretions if the rope is inextensible?
 
House said:
Okay, so a professor of mine told me that the rope carries the same force from B to A. But same force means different acceleretion if the masses are different. If this is true how can different parts of the rope have different acceleretions if the rope is inextensible?
The same net force means the same acceleration. What forces act on object A? What forces act on object B?
 
I repeat, you need to draw the FBDs for the two blocks. When you do, if done correctly, it will all become clear to you.
 
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So, according to the FBDs we have a force for each object, but again I can't decide if the tension is the same as the weight or the accelerations are the same. I'm completely stuck here.
 
  • #11
Update: Problem solved. Thanks a lot for your time, much appreciated.
 
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