The problem involves a system of two masses, M1 and M2, connected by a string over a frictionless pulley. The original poster seeks to determine the acceleration of mass M2, which is on a frictionless table, while mass M1 hangs vertically. The setup raises questions about the forces acting on each mass and their respective directions.
There is an ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of forces acting on the masses. Some participants have provided guidance on separating horizontal and vertical forces, while others are questioning the assumptions made about the orientation of the string and the forces involved.
The original poster notes a lack of visual representation in the problem statement, which may contribute to the confusion regarding the orientation of the forces. This absence of information is acknowledged by participants in the discussion.
For M2 you have added forces that are perpendicular to each other. Don't do that! Instead, consider horizontal forces separately. (Assuming the table is horizontal, that's the direction of the acceleration.)physicos said:and for M2 :
N+Fg2+T=M2a
Good. (Note that the forces of gravity and tension all act vertically.)physicos said:What I have written are vectors :
for M1 without vectors :
_m1g+T=-m1a
This combines vertical forces (N, mg) with horizontal forces (T). Don't do that.and for M2 :
N+T-m2g=m2a
physicos said:I thought T was a vertical force too
Not when it acts on M2, which slides along a horizontal table. (A picture would help.)physicos said:I thought T was a vertical force too
The OP doesn't actually state the orientation of the string between pulley and M2. Yes, it's probably meant to be horizontal, but in principle could be anything.Doc Al said:Not when it acts on M2, which slides along a horizontal table. (A picture would help.)
Yes.physicos said:so what am I supposed to do ? Cause that's all what is available in the problem statement , there is no picture : Should I work with it as a horizontal force ?