Acceleration of rising mass and tension in cord

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of an Atwood machine involving two masses, M1 and M2, connected by a cord over a pulley. Participants explore the relationship between tension in the cords, the effect of angles, and the acceleration of the masses as one rises and the other descends.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants analyze the forces acting on the masses, including gravitational forces and tension. They question the effects of the angle of the slope and the configuration of the pulleys on the system's dynamics. Some express confusion over the calculations and the relationships between the tensions in the ropes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about their calculations and the assumptions made. Some have offered insights into the relationships between the forces and tensions, while others are reconsidering their approaches based on feedback. There is no explicit consensus on the correct method or outcome yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of understanding the Atwood machine concept and the implications of acceleration in relation to the forces acting on the masses. There is also mention of the need to clarify the role of the pulley and the geometry involved in the problem.

  • #31
Ithilrandir said:
3. Resultant force = 2T1 - T2
4. If the pulley has negligible mass, F = ma shouldn't be calculable?
If 2T1 - T2=ma and m=0 then...?
 
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  • #32
2T1 = T2?
 
  • #33
Ithilrandir said:
2T1 = T2?
Yes!
 
  • #34
haruspex said:
Yes!
Thanks, I solved the answer. I was under the impression that the pulley accelerates with force = ma and trying to solve it abstractly that way.
 

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