Acceleration of two pulleys help

AI Thread Summary
The relationship between the accelerations of two masses, m1 and m2, is established as a1 = 2*a2. This conclusion is derived from a practical visualization involving a string wrapped around a coffee cup, illustrating how pulling one end of the string affects the movement of the cup. When one end of the string is pulled up a distance x, the cup moves only x/2, demonstrating the acceleration relationship. Understanding this concept helps clarify the mechanics of the pulley system. The discussion emphasizes the importance of visualization in grasping physics concepts.
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Homework Statement



If a1 and a2 are the accelerations of m1 and m2, respectively, what is the relation between these accelerations?

Homework Equations



Link to the diagram :
http://www.webassign.net/serpop/p4-38.gif

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer is a1 = 2*a2, but I'm having trouble visualizing/understanding how it was gotten. Is there a specific way to do this?
 
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Get a string or shoe lace and wrap it around a coffee cup. Hold one end of the string still and pull the other end of the string up some distance x, the coffee cup will move x/2.
 

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I get it now; thanks a lot! I can't believe I didn't even see that in the first place.
 

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