Determing Acceleration, Tension

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of falling masses and the tension in a string connected to a wheel with known weights. The user conducted an experiment where five weights fell a specific distance in a known time, allowing for the application of constant acceleration equations to determine acceleration. Additionally, the tension in the string can be calculated as the product of mass (m) and gravitational acceleration (g) when the system is not accelerating. This provides a clear method for solving the problem using fundamental physics principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with constant acceleration equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculations
  • Basic principles of friction and static equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the kinematic equations for constant acceleration
  • Learn how to calculate gravitational force (F = mg)
  • Explore the concepts of tension in strings and pulleys
  • Investigate the effects of friction on motion and acceleration
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of systems involving tension and acceleration.

Oijl
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Homework Statement


I had a wheel.
I hung five weights of known masses from the wheel, and these fell a known distance in a known time.
I also hung a weight and added mass until it just began to move, so I know the frictional force the wheel must overcome to spin.

I feel so silly asking it, but how can I find
the acceleration of the falling masses?
the tension in the string?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Hi Oijl:smile:
Oijl said:
I hung five weights of known masses from the wheel, and these fell a known distance in a known time.
I also hung a weight and added mass until it just began to move, so I know the frictional force the wheel must overcome to spin.
…
how can I find
the acceleration of the falling masses?
the tension in the string?

You can get the acceleration from the time and distance by using one of the standard constant acceleration equations.

And the tension in the string, when it isn't accelerating, will just be mg. :wink:
 

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