Calculating Tension of a Cord w/ Watermelon & Pumpkin

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a system with a 9.8-kg watermelon and an 8.0-kg pumpkin connected by a cord over a pulley, with negligible friction. Participants are tasked with determining the accelerations of both objects, the distance traveled by the pumpkin along an incline in a specified time, and the speed of the watermelon after a short duration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem, indicating a lack of clarity on the initial steps. Others suggest the importance of drawing free body diagrams to analyze the forces acting on each mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to engage with the problem and questions about the setup, particularly regarding the incline and the absence of visual aids. While some participants have tried various approaches, there is no clear consensus on how to proceed effectively.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clarification on the incline referenced in the problem and the potential benefits of visual representations to aid understanding. There is also an acknowledgment that the difficulty experienced by some does not necessarily imply that a straightforward solution is unattainable.

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A 9.8-kg watermelon and a 8.0-kg pumpkin are attached to each other via a cord that wraps over a pulley, as shown. Friction is negligible everywhere in this system.

What is the acceleration of the pumpkin?

What is the acceleration of the watermelon?

If the system is released from rest, how far along the incline will the pumpkin travel in 0.30 s?


What is the speed of the watermelon after 0.20 s?
 
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I have tried several ways, none of which were right. At this point I don't even know where to start. None of my classmates have figured it out either.
 
mashoema said:
A 9.8-kg watermelon and a 8.0-kg pumpkin are attached to each other via a cord that wraps over a pulley, as shown. Friction is negligible everywhere in this system.

What is the acceleration of the pumpkin?

What is the acceleration of the watermelon?

If the system is released from rest, how far along the incline will the pumpkin travel in 0.30 s?


What is the speed of the watermelon after 0.20 s?

What incline is being referred to? Is there a picture of this problem?
Also, note that the ability or lack thereof of others to solve the problem does not preclude the possibility of a simple solution. The way to start mechanical problems like this one is to draw a free body diagram for each mass.
 

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