How to Calculate Forces and Acceleration of Boxes on a Frictionless Shelf?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the forces and acceleration of a system involving three boxes (m1 = 1.2 kg, m2 = 3.7 kg, m3 = 2.1 kg) on a frictionless shelf connected by strings over frictionless pulleys. The gravitational forces calculated are 18.62 N for m1 and 27.44 N for m3. To solve the problem, participants recommend drawing free-body diagrams for each box and applying Newton's laws of motion, specifically the equation ƩF=ma, to determine the system's acceleration.

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Homework Statement



A box of mass m2 = 3.7 kg rests on a frictionless horizontal shelf and is attached by strings to boxes of masses m1 = 1.2 kg and m3 = 2.1 kg as shown below. Both pulleys are frictionless and massless. The system is released from rest. After it is released, find the following.


The Attempt at a Solution



I found the relevant forces of gravity to be 18.62 on m1, and 27.44 on m3, but I have little clue of where to go from there. Any idea would be greatly appreciated.
 
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makerfeldt said:

Homework Statement



A box of mass m2 = 3.7 kg rests on a frictionless horizontal shelf and is attached by strings to boxes of masses m1 = 1.2 kg and m3 = 2.1 kg as shown below.
missing diagram?

Both pulleys are frictionless and massless. The system is released from rest. After it is released, find the following.
incomplete information.
Are m1 and m3 hanging off opposite sides of the shelf?

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the relevant forces of gravity to be 18.62 on m1, and 27.44 on m3, but I have little clue of where to go from there. Any idea would be greatly appreciated.
Draw a free-body diagram for each box and apply Newton's laws: ƩF=ma
 
My apologies; the boxes m1 and m3 are indeed hanging off opposite sides of the shelf.
 

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OK - so did you draw a free body diagram for each box?
 

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