Calculating Tension in Atwood Machine

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in the ropes of an Atwood machine, specifically with two masses, m1 and m2, where m2 is on the right side. The overall acceleration, ay, is determined using the formula ay = (m2 - m1)g / (m1 + m2). Subsequently, two equations for net force are provided: Fnet2y = T - m2g = m2(-ay) and Fnet1y = T - m1g = m1(+ay). The conversation highlights the transition from using a curved coordinate axis to applying linear equations for individual forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of tension in physics
  • Knowledge of basic mechanics involving pulleys
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving acceleration and forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the acceleration formula for Atwood machines
  • Learn about the application of Newton's laws in multi-body systems
  • Explore the concept of curved coordinate systems in physics
  • Practice solving problems involving tension in various pulley systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators teaching concepts related to forces and motion in systems involving pulleys.

Kalibasa
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Homework Statement



I'm looking at how to calculate the tension in the ropes in an Atwood machine (two masses hanging on either side of a pulley, with mass 2 on the right side). We were told, for connected objects, that it was easiest to treat the two objects as a system and use a curved coordinate axis; then we were supposed to use this overall acceleration to find individual internal forces in a second step.


Homework Equations



The first step is ay= (m2-m1)g/(m1+m2)

But then in the second step he's suddenly giving us either of these equations to use:
Fnet2y= T-m2g= m2 (-ay)
Fnet1y= T-m1g=m1 (+ay)


The Attempt at a Solution



ay is negative for T2 and positive for T1. Does this mean that we're no longer using the curved axis in the second step?
 
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i'm not really familiar with this 'curved axis' thing, but actually ur first equation is derived from the latter two
 

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