# Delamber force

1. Nov 27, 2009

### yoni162

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
An elevator is accelerating upwards with acceleration a0. Two masses are hanging down from a pulley, connected to each other. I need to find the acceleration of m1, as viewed from within the elevator.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
If I look at each mass separately, each one is subjected to 3 forces: mg, T, and ma0, when T is obviously pointed upwards, and mg & ma0 are pointed downwards..
Now, if I want to find a1 --> m1's acceleration as viewed from within the elevator, I write:

m1
T-m1g-m1a0=m1a1

When I'm assuming a1 is in the positive direction of the Y axis. Now to m2:

m2
m2g+m2a0-T=m2a2

When I'm assuming that a2 will be in the opposite direction of the Y axis (since m1 will go up, m2 will go down). That's why I write forces the are in the positive direction of Y with a (-) before them, and forces which are directed in the negative direction of Y with a + before them. I know that's only a guess, but if I'm wrong and m1 will go down, a1 will turn out to be negative, no? I've used this method when solving 'inertial' problems and it works..
Also, I'm assuming the a1=-a2, again, like in 'inertial' situations..only here I'm not so sure..is this assumption true? Because when I solve the equations like they are now, I get that:

(m2-m1)(a0+g)=a1(m1-m2)

a1=-a0-g

Which isn't true according tow the answers..where am I wrong?

#### Attached Files:

• ###### TwoMassesInAnElevator.png
File size:
766 bytes
Views:
39
2. Nov 27, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

OK, but...
Now you've reversed the opposite direction you just gave things above. So you've outsmarted yourself!

Write your 2nd equation (using the usual sign conventions) as:
T -m2g -m2a0 = m2a2

And then use a1 = -a2 as your constraint. That already incorporates the fact that if one goes up, the other goes down.

3. Nov 27, 2009

### yoni162

Hah! you're right..thanks a lot!

Similar Threads - Delamber force Date
How do write the force diagram for the following situation? Yesterday at 8:28 PM
Determining reaction forces Yesterday at 9:00 AM
Net electric force on a charge Thursday at 11:53 PM
Find the frictional force between a block and a wall Thursday at 6:45 PM