# Atwood machine

1. Oct 29, 2008

### snsquare

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I have 3 graphs: accleration vs. total mass, acceleration vs. mass difference, and acceleration vs. inverse total mass.

How can I get the gravitational acceleration from these 3 graphs ?

I am doing a lab report on word and excel

2. Relevant equations

I don't think there is one, may be it will be the slope ??

3. The attempt at a solution

I think finding the slope of those graphs ? But what wil be the relationship between slope and gravitational acceleration ?

2. Oct 29, 2008

### snsquare

Can anyone give some inputs. I really need help now. My lab is due tomorrow.

3. Oct 30, 2008

### snsquare

What do you guys think is the relationship between gravitational force and those 3 graphs ?

4. Oct 30, 2008

### marmoset

For a system with only two masses over a single pulley:

$$a = \frac{(m1 - m2)g}{m1 + m2}$$

so acceleration is directly proportional to mass difference (m1 - m2), and directly proportional to "inverse total mass" 1/(m1 + m2).