Atwood machine, solve for angular acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the angular acceleration in an Atwood machine setup, involving variables such as m1, m2, m3, R, r, and g, with the condition that m2 is greater than m1. Participants are exploring the relationship between angular and linear acceleration in the context of a pulley system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how to relate the masses and the pulley in terms of angular acceleration. Questions are raised about the relationship between angular acceleration and linear acceleration, with some confusion about whether they are the same or simply related.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about the concepts involved. A hint has been provided regarding the tangential acceleration along the circumference of the pulley, suggesting a potential direction for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and relationships between angular and linear quantities, indicating a need for clarification on these concepts. There is a sense of confusion regarding the assumptions made about the motion of the masses and the pulley.

aznboi855
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Homework Statement


The goal is to solve for angular acceleration with the end variables being m1,m2,m3, R, r, g.
M2 > M1.
An atwood machine is a pulley with 2 masses, one on each side.


Homework Equations


Tnet = I * angular acceleration
Fnet = ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I know you have to solve for both the masses and the pulley itself, but how do you relate them?
 
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How does the angular acceleration of the pulley relate to the linear acceleration of the masses?
 
It's the same?
 
aznboi855 said:
It's the same?
:confused: How can an angular acceleration be the same as a linear acceleration? (But they are simply related though.)
 
I must've misunderstood your question, I simply thought that because the mass is having a linear acceleration downward, therefore causing the pulley to have an angular acceleration, they must be the same :S. I'm bad at this angular stuff :(.
Angular acceleration the change in angular velocity over time, and angular velocity is the change in angle over time... so... I still can't relate them :S.
 
Hint: Given the angular acceleration of the pulley, what's the tangential acceleration along its circumference?
 

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