Double Atwood Machine and tension

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in the strings attached to masses in a Double Atwood Machine setup. The user has derived three equations based on Newton's Second Law: for mass A, the equation is m1a1 = FT1 - m1g; for mass B, m2a2 = FT1 - m2g; and for mass C, m3a3 = FT3 - m3g. The user assumes massless pulleys and that mass 3 does not accelerate, leading to the conclusion that FT3 = 2FT1. Further clarification on these assumptions is sought.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Knowledge of tension in strings and pulleys
  • Basic principles of mechanics involving mass and gravity
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  • Explore the concept of massless pulleys in mechanics
  • Learn about the dynamics of Atwood Machines
  • Study the implications of acceleration in multi-mass systems
  • Investigate the derivation of tension equations in pulley systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of tension calculations in pulley systems.

rwx1606
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Homework Statement


Find the tension in the string attached to mass 1 and mass 3. Find the acceleration of masses 1,2, and 3. The problem looks similar to the attached image except m1 and m2 are leveled. Express the answers in the given quantities and constants. I will call the tension in the string attached to mass A, F[tex]^{1}[/tex], and the tension attached to mass C, F[tex]_{T3}[/tex].

http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1038667/6/YF-05-85.jpg


Homework Equations


[tex]\sum[/tex]F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


Well aside from setting up the free body diagrams, I've come up with three equations from Newton's 2nd Law.

For mass A, I have the follow:
m[tex]_{1}[/tex]a[tex]_{1}[/tex]= F[tex]_{T1}[/tex]-m[tex]_{1}[/tex]g
For mass B:
m[tex]_{2}[/tex]a[tex]_{2}[/tex]=F[tex]_{T1}[/tex]-m[tex]_{2}[/tex]g
For mass C:
m[tex]_{3}[/tex]a[tex]_{3}[/tex]=F[tex]_{T3}[/tex]-m[tex]_{3}[/tex]g

The first thing that came to mind were the massless pulleys. I assumed both pulleys do not accelerate as a result. So because of this I also assumed mass 3 does not accelerate either or else the bottom pulley would accelerate. In addition I assumed the tension F[tex]_{T3}[/tex] is equal to 2F[tex]_{1}[/tex]. Any help would be appreciated. If my insights are all wrong feel free to direct me towards an alternate way of approaching this problem. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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hmm I can't get the subscripts to work for some reason.
 

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